Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

We have also dealt with health matters, and over the next five years, I look forward to extra hospital beds, including long-stay beds, and primary care teams, better services for cystic fibrosis patients, and improved cancer services. I stress that we need action on cystic fibrosis and cancer services as quickly as possible.

On foreign affairs, I have also supported the anti-war movement and have major human rights concerns regarding US policy. In the negotiations, I did my best to push that agenda, especially regarding the aid target of 0.5% of GNP in 2007, more support for the UN, and our being more progressive, taking an all-Ireland view of the economy, health, education, agriculture and the environment. Under the agreement, transit through Shannon and other Irish airports of foreign troops participating in military operations will be permitted where such an operation has been authorised by the UN. In the absence of such authorisation, it will be for the Government to consider the merits of each situation on a case-by-case basis and decide whether to grant permission, which shall be given only following a motion passed by Dáil Éireann.

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