Does Senator Norris wish to move his motion?
Situation in Tibet: Motion.
Yes, I would be happy to do so. I move:
That the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs should ask the Irish Government to support moves to have the Chinese engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
I second the motion.
Question put and agreed to.
I accept Deputy Timmins's proposal to invite the Chinese ambassador before the committee. It is a reasonable and wise suggestion. It is laughable to say we will tell the Irish delegation it need not attend. Deputy Timmins stated that we have not been invited. It is an empty gesture to say we will not go to the party to which we have not been invited. God almighty, I may be thick but I do not believe I am that thick.
Deputy Andrews brought up the issue of the 1908 Olympics. When we sought help from the international community, nobody would speak up. Silence is a form of complicity. One hundred years later, we should not be silent. If someone had made a gesture in 1908, we would have appreciated it. I support Senator Norris's motion.
In the first instance, Senator Norris's motion should be tabled before the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party to obtain the support of the Government.
For which motion?
Senator Norris's motion.
The one the Senator is suggesting now.
The motion has been agreed unanimously. The clerk to the committee will prepare a message for the clerks of the Dáil and the Seanad to the effect that the motion has been agreed. We will also notify the Minister for Foreign Affairs and take the other steps the member suggested.
Can I ask for guidance? The Chairman accepted certain suggestions. I made a proposal and it was seconded by Senator Daly. Is there no way it can be taken now?
If Senator Norris wants to table another motion for another day, he is entitled to do so.
It cannot be taken now.
No, notice must be given.
Members have more in common than they believe. It would appear to an onlooker that there is so much division when in fact members generally support the broad principle of supporting the Tibetan people. It would be a shame if the impression were given that there is considerable division because there is not.
There is only the one in Senator Norris's head. He is ascribing views to Fine Gael members that they do not hold.
It is important to note that there is common support.
I accept that entirely.
The joint committee went into private session at 5.10 p.m. and adjourned at 5.31 p.m. sine die.