David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Normally in this House, we raise the death of former Members or distinguished public figures but today I raise the death of a six-year-old boy, Cathal Martin. Cathal died on 10 October. He suffered from metachromatic leukodystrophy. He was extremely fortunate in his loving and caring family: his father Les, mother Linda, brother Ciaran and sister Holly. Some weeks ago, I introduced the National Screening Advisory Committee Bill 2020 in the House, which would allow for the screening of up to 40 disorders and save the lives of 50 children each year in Ireland. We should, in Cathal's memory, commit ourselves today to ensuring this situation is urgently addressed.

I refer to the wonderfully welcome message from Pope Francis, who said gay people were part of the human family.Of course they are and it is perfectly obvious. It is so different from the hateful language employed by Pope Benedict. He spoke about objective disorder and intrinsic evil. The statement of the Pope is one thing, but the Catholic Church needs to look at the catechism and remove this terrible language.

I refer to level 5. Is it not extraordinary that we are told we are at level 5 and we must stay at home, isolate, reduce our contacts and work remotely but as Members we have to fob in? What kind of utter bureaucratic lunacy is this? I am calling for it to be abandoned immediately.