David Norris (Independent)

I also support colleagues who have raised the question of the railway network. Two weeks ago, I asked for a debate on transport. Particularly in view of the distinguished presence of the Leader of the House, who was an excellent Minister with responsibility for transport, we should have a comprehensive debate on that topic, including statements from the Minister on the status of the underground.

I ask the Leader to consider giving time to No.12, which states:

That Seanad Éireann urgently desires and requests that all paramilitary organisations, North and South, orange and green, loyalist and republican should forthwith disarm, disband and publicly confirm this action.

It would be relevant to have this either today or tomorrow, because we have had the statement at lunchtime by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Paul Murphy, during his meeting here in Dublin that this is a critical element in making progress in the North.

I would welcome a debate on Iraq, but I understand that we will shortly have constituted the foreign affairs committee, on which the Leader of the House will also sit. This will be another very useful forum to discuss the issue of Iraq.