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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Sri Lankan citizen’s detention

Summary

Senator Norris supports efforts to assist a Sri Lankan citizen jailed without trial and comments on public criticism of the Supreme Court’s X-case judgment.

David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I support my colleague Senator Quinn in asking that we take notice of the situation regarding the Sri Lankan citizen. I am aware of this case and Members of both Houses have taken this matter on board.

I also watched with interest the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin. I thought he was in an awkward position and dealt with it reasonably well. I was surprised he repeated something that was said in this House, which was that the judgment of the Supreme Court in the X case was a flawed judgment. It was inappropriate in this House. It is the entitlement of any citizen to make whatever comment he or she feels whether it is judicious, but I ask all those who feel this was a flawed judgment, particularly those in authority, to specify the precise flaws in the judgment to better inform the debate which is taking place. I reiterate what Senator Bacik stated about the information meeting at 4.30 p.m. which will be held in the AV room. I attended such a meeting held by people with whom I do not agree and I found it informative and helpful.

I hope that those who attend this afternoon will not all be of the same mind and that some of those with a conscientious difficulty with the position taken up by Senator Bacik and me will also make themselves available.

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