I wish to associate myself with the comments by Senator Craughwell. Both he and I are nominated by the Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association, PDFORRA, and we both represent the Defence Forces here in the House in the best way we can. I met the protestors this morning outside Leinster House. They have a very good point. The families of Defence Forces personnel are relying on the family income supplement. It is unacceptable that this is the case while Defence Forces personnel are working for the State, putting their lives in jeopardy on the Golan Heights, in Lebanon and elsewhere. Maybe we could ask for the Minister of State with responsibility for defence to come to the House next week just to outline the situation-----

He was here last week.

He can come again. We are here every week. He could update us on the position regarding pay and the area of recruitment, which Senator Craughwell has also highlighted.

I wish to pay tribute to Senator Norris for over 30 years and seven months of service. It is an unbelievable service to the State. I regard him as a latter-day Oscar Wilde and it is a privilege to serve with Senator Norris here. I was here for a period between 1992 and 1993; I was here as a Minister of State from 1987 to 1989 when he was a Senator, and we served the State in many ways.

Today is also the 50th anniversary of the death of Patrick Kavanagh of Iniskeen, County Monaghan, and I wish to pay tribute to him.

I wish to comment on Trinity College, where I always expected and believed that David Norris was professor of English. What is wrong with these nitwits? Senator Bacik should have insisted, as she is now Reid Professor there. Surely of all the men in this country, a James Joyce expert, a man who has brought tourism, has defended James Joyce and has restored his houses and towers would be ideal. Yet Trinity College, this centre of enlightenment in the world, was not enlightened enough to make Senator Norris Professor of English. For God's sake, what is wrong with them? I understand Trinity has offered him an honorary doctorate. I am not sure whether he rejected it but certainly he should have. I could not believe it.

They gave one to me and Panti.

When I came into this House, I thought Senator David Norris was one of the most educated, enlightened English experts.

Apart from the Senator himself.

Yet there is a bit of jealousy in that place. There is jealousy in Trinity College to keep that good man down. However, we are elevating him here today, and I am delighted to see him in such good health and such good condition. I always say that in 50 years' time, to have served with David Norris in Seanad Éireann will be a badge of honour. I hope we can have some event to honour him, a lunch or dinner, to give him real recognition.

Like the fatted calf.

I always say that in 50 years' time, to have served with David Norris in Seanad Éireann will be a badge of honour. I hope we can have some event to honour him, a lunch or dinner, to give him real recognition.