Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader provide time for a debate on the issue of people with learning disabilities, what used to be called mental handicap? I ask for this debate in the light of the independent report commissioned by the St. John of God Brothers on St. Mary's Home, Drumcar, County Louth. Such a debate could help us examine our attitude, as a people, to the care of the most vulnerable in our society.

I support the call by a number of Senators for a debate on the impending war in Iraq and suggest that the situation in the Middle East as a whole could be discussed. As Senator Brian Hayes said, it is possible to hold differing views and be pro-American but anti-war. We should have the opportunity to express our views on this very important issue.