Joe O'Toole (Independent)

We agree regarding the need for a two-day debate on the Bill and with the decision to allow Senators to share time. I ask the Leader to take on board an issue which was raised this morning. There is much else happening in the world and it would be wrong of us to ignore the threat to Ireland from the words of the American President and the British Prime Minister regarding a potential war in Iraq. I believe we should discuss that matter. I am not proposing an amendment to the Order of Business. Today and tomorrow we should deal with the Bill, and perhaps other matters such as that suggested by Senator Hayes. If it is appropriate to take that matter tomorrow, I do not have any difficulty doing so.

However, the fact that we will adjourn tomorrow for a number of weeks adds to the cynicism which people feel about politics. It would be appropriate to meet next week to discuss the situation in Iraq, the views of the American President, the involvement of the UN and the views of the British Prime Minister. It is utterly wrong that we, as a elected democratic assembly, should ignore that threat which will impact on us in ways which are beyond our imagination at this point. I do not want to get into the debate now. I am speaking strictly about the need for a debate. I would dearly like to debate the issue next week and I ask the Leader to strongly consider that proposal.