Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes requested a debate on the Iraqi crisis, particularly in light of President Bush's State of the Union address last night and the sentiments it evoked. Senator Hayes referred to a creeping anti-Americanism he sees emerging in this country. I am not anti-American, but neither am I in favour of the war on Iraq. It is easy to equate that disapproval of war with a sentiment against a particular country, but it does not necessarily follow. However, I take on board the Senator's concerns about the need for a debate on the Iraqi situation.

Senator Hayes also made an interesting point about the need for Members to know at least a week in advance – or at the earliest opportunity – what legislation will be dealt with in the House. I agree with him in this regard and I will take this matter further. I have a general idea of all the Bills that are to be presented to the House and of whether they are being initiated here or in the Dáil. It is something I was very insistent upon throughout the last session. We find ourselves faced with a raft of Bills and to obtain the necessary time to debate them will be another matter. However, Members should know about them in good time so that they can prepare for debates.

Senator O'Toole echoed Senator Hayes's comments about the Iraq. A view is being put forward by the American authorities which links al-Qaeda to Iraq. The first we have heard of this has been in the past few days. It is obviously another pretext for the Americans to go to war at a time when they are finding that people in many countries are not in favour of doing so.

Senator O'Toole also referred to crime in Limerick. I also heard the views of Limerick's chief superintendent, who was very open and expert in the way he spoke about the situation. There is a general call for a debate on crime throughout the country, with particular regard to Limerick.

Senator Ryan proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, which was seconded by Senator O'Meara, to debate the situation at Shannon Airport instead of debating the Immigration Bill 2002, which is also very important. The Senator also asked the reason the Dáil had not passed the Containment of Nuclears Weapons Bill. I do not know but can ask. He further asked for a debate on crime and the reports of public bodies. It is a matter of finding time for everything.

Senator Dardis raised the matter of Iraq. He also raised the effect of the proposed implementation of the Fischler proposals.

Senator Terry raised the issue of crime and the need for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House for a debate on the matter. She also stressed the need for the Minister for Transport to tell us about the taxi regulator. I do not accept her comments on taxi drivers. We should not brand all of them in that way.