David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have gotten rather deaf, I am afraid, so I did not quite hear my name. I thank the Leader for providing me with Private Members' time, in which I will introduce the National Housing Co-operative Bill 2017. It deals with the biggest problem to face this country, and people have not yet woken up to it. There will be an enormous number of people dispossessed from their homes by vulture funds unless the Oireachtas acts. I ask my colleagues, even if they have not considered speaking, to come and speak briefly to show support for this Bill. In the interests of the Irish people it is time we put a stop to evictions.

I support the comments of my colleague, Senator Boyhan, on the power-sharing and coalition talks in the North of Ireland. The Democratic Unionist Party, DUP, has concluded an agreement with the British Government and the party is now hanging fire over the Irish language Bill. An increasing number of people in Northern Ireland are enthusiastic about the Irish language. It is good and it does not do the slightest harm. I do not know what the DUP's problem is with it. Apparently it wants to introduce parallel measures for what I can only describe as Orange slang, as it is not really a language at all. If that keeps the party happy, why not do it? Why would Sinn Féin not accept it if the Presbyterians wish to gabble at each other with these funny words? Away with them, as it does not do anybody the slightest bit of harm. There is no excuse whatever on the part of either Sinn Féin or the Democratic Unionist Party not to get an administration up and running in Northern Ireland.