Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Morrissey for sharing time and I welcome the Minister of State. I commend him on his achievements in his portfolio thus far.

After 12 years of UN pressure and attempts at persuasion, including no less than 17 different resolutions, Saddam Hussein has continued to laugh at the world. The recent charade of inspectors running around Iraq, finding a bomb here and empty shell casing there, and being refused interviews with relevant officials was reminiscent of something out of a "Carry On" film. Even the chief weapons inspector, Hans Blix, admitted that while some slow progress was made – more in terms of process than substance – many more months, and possibly years, of work remained to be done. What we have recently witnessed could not be called compliance with Resolution 1441. I have yet to hear one person in either House, with the possible exception of Senator Norris, say that they welcome this war. This motion adequately expresses the Government's rejection of war, as the Minister of State pointed out in his speech.

It must, however, be accepted that inspections would not have taken place without the credible threat of military force. Saddam Hussein's record of co-operation is, to say the least, dismal. He has, however, achieved his aim in disuniting the international community and this points to the insidiousness of international terrorism.

This country has consistently supported the supremacy of the UN. However, the circumstances of recent weeks and months have created serious problems for many countries, not least this one. This motion rightly expresses our intention not to support military action.

Some of the facetious arguments about the use of Shannon are ridiculous. Where will these people who are opportunistically using these arguments be when factories and businesses start to close and people lose their jobs? That is exactly what will happen if we are seen to snub our biggest inward investor and a major customer for exports. Are they saying we should squander the millions of euro we have spent over the years through bodies such as the IDA cultivating these jobs and, indeed, the goodwill of the US?

The reality is that between the economic factors and the progress which has been made towards peace in our country, any move to change the precedent which exists in regard to overflights and landing rights at Shannon will be detrimental to the future of this country. It is said that when one assumes power, one assumes responsibility. This Government has shown by taking hard decisions that it is willing to take responsibility.