David Norris (Independent)

A number of Senators have raised foreign affairs issues and I hope the Cathaoirleach will shortly be in a position to advise us of when the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs will be established because many of these matters should be discussed in that forum.

With regard to Senator Ó Murchú's point regarding the people in Colombia, I also supported the Birmingham Six and the Guildford Four, but simply slapping a number after a name does not establish anyone's innocence. There are a number of murky circumstances regarding the men in Colombia which require a great deal of explanation. As there has been a great deal of prevarication, dishonesty and lying about the situation, simply describing the men as the Colombia Three does not establish their innocence.

I support the calls for the Flood tribunal report to be discussed. I was abroad all summer and the report was the only item of Irish news which appeared on international television. It is disquieting and must be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible with a proper debate in the House.