Seanad report: David Norris (Ind) said he regretted that during the papacy of John Paul II the approach seemed to be uno duce una voce enforced by Cardinal Ratzinger, dean of the College of Cardinals, at a time when there were so many problems facing the world, such as global warming, population control, Aids and matters concerning human sexuality.
Speaking on a motion that the Seanad send an expression of its sympathy on the death of the Pope to Cardinal Ratzinger, Mr Norris said that everyone had stated that they felt they were loved by the Pope.
"I did not feel loved by this Pope. Any Pope who presides over a Vatican where the language of hatred can be spewed forth in words like virus, objectively evil, intrinsically immoral; no, that's not the language of love, not to me."
He said the absolute refusal to accept the international advice that condoms are essential in the battle against Aids, "condemns those beautiful young people, young heterosexual men and women, in Africa, to a horrible death".
Mr Norris said he wished the soul of this Pope something that he had not given people, like him - peace.
Martin Mansergh (FF) said the Pope had come from Poland and had striven to find an effective way to combat the evils of communist oppression. He had made a very strong appeal to the IRA to stop their campaign.
Mary Henry (Ind) said that the Pope had been an extraordinary man who had been improved by adversity.
The House observed a minute's silence in memory of the late pontiff.
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The draft inspectors' report on the alleged underpayment of Turkish workers should be made available to the House today, Terry Leyden (FF) said.
The rights of the Oireachtas were being interfered with through the involvement of the courts in injunction proceedings to prevent publication of the report.
The Minister should issue the report in the House so that a worthwhile debate could be held on its contents.
Joe O'Toole (Ind) said he found it absolutely appalling that the only people who seemed to take an interest in the Gama workers issue were those on the left side of Irish politics.