Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

The Order of Business is agreed. I agree with Senator O'Toole that there appears to be confusion on the issue of neutrality and that is mirrored by the general confusion in Government on foreign policy. Only weeks ago, the Minister for Defence gave his, possibly personal, opinion that Ireland is no longer, if it ever was, neutral.

We stand at a crossroads with regard to foreign policy and we need clarity not confusion. Instead of that, we have been treated to a wait and see approach from a wait and see Taoiseach. Is he waiting to see whether another 100,000 people will march on the streets to express their concern about the possibility of war and the possibility of this State supporting unilateral action by abandoning its traditional support for a UN position? There is an urgent need for clarity on that and I ask the Leader to request the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come before the House at the earliest opportunity to explain when the wait and see approach will end.

I understand from a report last week that the publication of the strategic rail review is imminent. When it becomes available, will the Leader arrange an early debate on its findings? I know she is amenable to this.