Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

Reference has been made to the attitude of the media to the war. I visited America last week and have viewed much of the coverage. The depiction of war is similar to what can be seen in a "Star Wars" film or a video game. The portrayal in the media is wrong, although I exclude RTE from that because in its "Prime Time" programme last night, it presented a broad overview of what was happening, including the views of different people concerned who will be affected by the war.

During my visit to America last week, I spoke to a number of Irish Americans and met different organisations. They are annoyed at the way the Irish attitude has been portrayed in America and they are asking what we are doing. The view conveyed is that Ireland does not seem to be standing with America.

Nobody wants war. I do not want it and I would not like the Opposition to create the impression that those on the Government side are necessarily in favour of it. However, unfortunately war has started and we cannot put our heads in the sand and pretend it is not happening.

The war will not stop if Shannon Airport was to be closed for refuelling. It may cause the Americans a slight inconvenience, but it will not change anything. Over the years, this country has invested too much in terms of encouraging American industry to locate here. It is, therefore, a serious issue. Too much would be lost if there is a negative attitude to the refuelling of aeroplanes at Shannon Airport. It will make no difference to the course of the war.