David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to add my voice to the congratulations to your good self, a Chathaoirligh. I think you will be an excellent Cathaoirleach.

I refer to the situation in Orlando. It is quite clear that this was a hate crime. The people targeted were overwhelmingly gay latino men. It seems that Mr. Mateen was a troubled person. He had expressed violent views on gay people and was very negative indeed. Apparently he was upset by the spectacle of two men kissing, as recorded by his wife. Yet he was obsessed with Pulse. He was there more than a dozen times and engaged in gay chat services. It appears as if he may have had some trouble with his own sexual identity so that suggests that there is a great deal of work to do even in countries like America. This is a terrible crime and highlights the situation regarding guns. It is extraordinary that people can be put on a "no fly" list and yet they can still go in and buy heavy machines guns.

We have a lot to do in this Seanad. I suppose the most striking thing that is before us is Seanad reform. I believe that virtually everybody in the House has views on this issue. They strongly believe in the reform of the Seanad. The Government claims to believe in the reform of the Seanad and it is by this yardstick that this Seanad will be judged. We will be judged on whether we get substantial and real Seanad reform, not just some tricking around and loosening at the edges and so on. It has to be comprehensive and full reform. I look forward very much to the debate. There is also the issue of the eighth amendment. It is extraordinary that people in this country still feel that from their religious position they can intervene in a situation where a 13 year old girl has been raped and direct her as to what decision she should take. The same applies with regard to fatal foetal abnormality. It is an obscenity that the mother of an unfortunate child who has no brain, no nervous system and so on should be forced, whether against her will, to keep the child.

We must look also at the question of direct provision on which I have legislation that I hope to present to the House. It nearly passed the last time. The President has called for the Oireachtas to get involved in this issue. We nearly did it the last time and I believe we can do it again in this Seanad. There is also the living city initiative which was introduced partly as a result of pressure from this House to rescue the inner city core of buildings. This has been completely unacceptable. Only 33 applications were made nationally. This is because it was hedged around, festooned, as The Irish Timeseditorial stated this morning, with all kinds of inhibitions preventing people taking it up. In particular, speaking as somebody who is interested in the preservation of the Georgian core of Dublin, I was horrified at the restriction of 210 sq. m. As a civil servant said at the time, this was specifically to exclude what is described as Georgian mansions.These buildings are a feature of our city; they are the identifying mark. They are the buildings that most need to be rescued. I understand the situation will be kept under review by the Minister, Deputy Noonan, but this House should have a significant role to play in extending and making acceptable the terms under which living city initiative grants are made.

Despite some people's faint-hearted anticipation that we will have very little to discuss other than statements, we will have much to discuss. There is legislation from these benches. My colleague and friend, Senator McDowell, will, for example, be presenting a Bill. I have some difficulties with it but I will make those clear during the discussion on the legislation. Senator Craughwell also has a Bill. There are many legislative measures being brought forward by those on this side of the House and I look forward to the Government treating them with respect.