David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach very much. It is nice to be back here among all my friends.I will raise the issue of the controversy surrounding the appointment of Katherine Zappone. I am not terribly close to her, although I know her reasonably well, but I believe she has been treated extremely badly. Curiously enough, I was the person who introduced the amendment committing the Government to advertise government positions, so it is an unusual situation to find myself in. I cannot think of anybody who would be better suited to the role than Katherine Zappone. She has a very remarkable record in gay rights in Ireland, she has an international reputation and she has contacts. Who will replace her? I suggest to members of the Government that they look at the people who were involved in the "Yes" side during the marriage equality referendum campaign because they have a great deal of talent. That they succeeded in getting the "Yes" idea through to the Irish people was a remarkable achievement. I wanted to come to the House today to remark on the situation regarding Katherine Zappone and to say that she has not been treated terribly well. We have missed a great opportunity for somebody with her talents, contacts and knowledge to represent us at the United Nations.