David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have received a ruling from the Cathaoirleach that my motion on Standing Order 41, which precludes Members from introducing an amendment which creates a charge on the Exchequer, has been ruled out of order. I completely accept that and I understand the reasons for that. I understand it was discussed by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges last night and a decision appears to have been taken that it should be referred to the Dáil reform committee. I am not sure why the Seanad should refer the conduct of its business as an independent House to a committee of the other House. I think that is wrong. I hope the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will develop the guts to stand up for the independence of this House and remove this ridiculous restriction on our freedom.

If we do not do that, I certainly will protest any time I hear any Member of this House complaining about not being allowed to introduce an amendment of this kind when it is ruled out of order. We have the power to do something about it. If we do nothing about it then Seanad Éireann is responsible for its own secondary status. I certainly hope that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges will stand firm and stand by the Seanad. I have spoken to civil servants, whom I will not name, who are involved in this and the phrases they used were "a grey area" and "an academic situation". We should push through a grey area and academic situation, and establish our rights. We are adults.

I very much welcome the Pope's visit and I am delighted he is coming. He is a good man. I publicly initiated the first move towards an invitation a couple of years ago in the previous Seanad. I would like to thank Senator Wilson who mentioned this yesterday. The Pope should be given a terrific welcome. He is a wonderful man. I do not think he is completely up to speed on gay rights or women priests and so on.

I very much regret that the committee running the World Meeting of Families removed from the brochure images of same-sex couples. If we are talking about the family, we should be talking about the full family. I hope there will be some discussion of these issues in a courteous way. I know the Roman Catholic Church takes a long time to change its view, but it is insulting to people who are now in legally recognised marriages in this country that they are not considered to be part of the family. I think they are.

Despite my reservations, I will be giving a welcome to the Pope. I might even catch a glimpse of him flying past in his car because I will be back from Cyprus to attend the Fitzpatrick clan rally which nicely coincides with the Pope's visit. From my point of view and from my heart I wish him well and a happy and successful visit here. He is elderly and I do not suppose he can last all that much longer. I sincerely hope that when he does depart the church gets another good hearted, open Pope who will lead it forwards and not backwards.