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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Human rights and China

Summary

Norris raised human rights abuses in Aleppo and the Ambassador’s letter, and later argued that human rights should be defended universally, including in China. The Leader agreed that human rights must be upheld everywhere and thanked Senators for the exchange.

I thank both Senators for-----

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

This should be a matter for the courts. That is why this House was so worried.

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That was not the Walloons' problem.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

It does not matter what their problem was. The important thing was to stop it until the issues that mattered were settled.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

I gave Senator Norris a lot of latitude.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I appreciate that.

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Denis O'Donovan An Cathaoirleach Fianna Fáil

I ask him to respect the reply.

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I thank Senators Devine and Richmond for raising this matter.

Senator Richmond also raised some important educational matters in his local area, with specific reference to the Ballinteer, Stepaside and Notre Dame schools. I would be happy to ask the Minister to discuss those matters with the Senator.

Senator Swanick raised the issue of tobacco and linked it to the NTMA. We all agree on the need to reduce the effect of tobacco on the lives of so many of our citizens. Over 6,000 people die from smoking-related cancer each year in this country. The number is way too high.

I will take up with the Minister the matter of the blanket bogs raised by Senator Ó Clochartaigh and I will ask the Minister to liaise with him in regard to that issue. Regarding the matter for the hospital in Galway, I am aware there are plans to invest in it. It is a matter for the HSE, in terms of both the service plan and the capital plan. The Senator might talk to the HSE. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House anyway in regard to the matter-----

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It is a long-term policy issue.

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-----to have a discussion on the health area.

Senator Coghlan raised the issue of the future of the post office network. He cited both the Grant Thornton and the Bobby Kerr reports. Senator Coghlan is right. We need to work with the Irish Postmasters Union to see how we can ensure there is a vibrant post office network across the country, not only in rural Ireland but also in urban Ireland. I will have the Minister come to the House regarding that particular matter.

Senator Davitt raised the issue of Mullingar. My colleague, Senator Gabrielle McFadden, has been strong at pushing for investment in Mullingar. I am sure we can have a debate on 17th with the Minister, Deputy Ross, regarding the matters Senator Davitt raised.

Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of Mr. Odhrán McKenna in the North. I wish Mr. McKenna well, and thank the members of the GAA community, in particular, in St. John's GAA club, which I myself had the pleasure of visiting once or twice in my days trying to play hurling with UCC and Maynooth, and the health care workers and staff for their Trojan work. I wish Mr. McKenna and his family every happiness, and wish him well in his recovery.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of the Bank of Ireland now having automation in tellers in banks. It is a worry because it is happening in parts of the country. In some cases, one walks into a bank and goes to the machine. They do not want to see one come into the bank. It is all about online banking. The banks must recognise there is a cohort of customers who, for whatever reason, do not use online banking and are reluctant to use machines, and they want to have that personal interface. Even though we do not necessarily own Bank of Ireland, it is important that the bank offers customers a choice within branches at the same time because it is about the customer.

Senator Mulherin raised the issue of addiction and the lack of investment by the Customs and Excise in sniffer dogs. I would be happy to have the Minister come to the House for that matter.

I am glad Senator Norris got a response from the Russian ambassador and I am glad the Senator equally replied in his strident and assertive, but genuine, sincerely-held views on the matter.

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No bother to Senator Norris.

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I hope that we can have a resolution to the issue. On the issue of China, Senator Norris is correct. Human rights affect the lives of people. Whether it is a powerhouse like China or a country in any part of the world, no matter who they are, human rights should be upheld and we must fight to have the dignity of the person respected at all times.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I thank the Leader.

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