Seanad report:The silence of the Greens and others over the attempt by the Taoiseach to undermine the work of the Mahon tribunal undermined, possibly fatally, the respect of the Irish people for the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Constitution, Alex White (Lab) said.
The Taoiseach did not wish to allow the tribunal to do its work, said Mr White. He had seen fit to go to the courts as part of what appeared to be an unrelenting attack on the tribunal.
Lisa McDonald (FF) said she would welcome a debate on the tribunal issue. "Let's have it out in the open; who is leaking, for example. The systematic leaks. Dubious witnesses getting dubious immunity from prosecution from the tribunal."
Eugene Regan, Fine Gael spokesman on Justice, said that about 10 years ago the Taoiseach had signed an order establishing the Moriarty tribunal. That tribunal had cross-examined Deputy Michael Lowry on statements he had made in the Dáil.
In the light of this, Mr Ahern should come to the House and explain why he was suggesting that he now had to assert the privileges of the Oireachtas in respect of Article 15.13 of the Constitution.
There was a crisis in our democracy, added Mr Regan. The Taoiseach had laid down a direct challenge to the Mahon tribunal, which had been established by the House.
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David Norris (Ind) declared that he was now joining the campaign for full civil marriage for gay people in this country. He made the announcement after telling the House that he was withdrawing his Private Members' Bill which had been intended to legally facilitate civil partnerships, because of the lack of response of Government parties to the measure. The Government had abrogated every undertaking that had been given to him. There was no sign of the legislation that had been promised and he was not prepared to wait any longer.
Mr Norris said that in relation to his Bill he had indicated that he would not use the word "marriage" in deference to the religious sensibilities of people. "But now I will. I am joining the campaign for full civil marriage for gay people in this country. We are entitled to no less. I am an equal citizen and if and when the Government eventually gets its courage together and introduces a Bill, I will wait to see how many people in this House are prepared to stand up and tell me that I am not worthy of having my relationships fully recognised, that I am a lesser human being than they are."
Dan Boyle (GP), deputy Government leader in the House, said he regretted that Mr Norris had decided to withdraw his Bill which had helped to inform and to move forward the debate in this area. A meeting had taken place last week with representatives of gay and lesbian groups, who were satisfied with the progress that was being made in regard to the Government's Bill. The heads of the Bill would be available next month and the proposed legislation would be published in September.