David Norris (Independent)

The Cathaoirleach has divined it; that is precisely what I am seeking. I support my colleagues in requesting such a debate.

I also want to seek a debate on another matter. When will the Leader consider taking No. 16, motion No. 14, on Tibet or a similar motion? There is a serious reason that such a motion should be taken. Questions were recently asked in the Dáil about Tibet and the Minister, Deputy Cowen, gave the following reply:

On 3 December I set out the approach of Ireland and our EU partners to Tibet. There has been no change of policy in this regard. In common with its EU partners, Ireland regards Tibet as an integral part of China and the Government of the People's Republic of China as the only legal Government of China.

That is not true. It is time we called the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the House to explain why such a violent and undiscussed change of policy has taken place.

When we entered diplomatic relations with China in 1979 no mention was made of this in the discussions or exchanges of documents. The former Fianna Fáil Minister, the excellent Frank Aiken, in debates at the United Nations in 1961 and 1965—