Derek McDowell (Labour)

I agree with the remarks made by other Members regarding Northern Ireland. It is important that we should debate both Northern Ireland and the interim report of the Flood tribunal at the earliest opportunity.

Another issue which demands urgent attention is the impending decision of the United Nations. Ireland is in the pivotal position – one it has not held for some time – of having a vote at the Security Council. It is remarkable that so little public attention has been focused on what is being done in our name at the Security Council and it would be extremely useful if we had a debate on this matter and were granted the opportunity to hear the views of either the Minister for Foreign Affairs or his Minister of State.

As the Cathaoirleach is aware, the Labour Party is concerned about the order in which Senators and groups represented in the House are called to speak. The Labour Party has the same number of Senators as the Independent group.