Michael Brennan (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Scanlon for sharing his time with me. Over the past week the United Nations has not lived up to its responsibilities in addressing the question of Iraqi non-compliance with its resolutions. Many months and years of diplomacy have failed to achieve a peaceful solution to the threat posed by Saddam Hussein. I acknowledge the hurt and suffering of the Iraqi people and the troops on both sides of this conflict. I also agree with the Minister of State that Ireland will have a leading role to play in addressing the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. There is no such thing as a just war.

From the time of the famine to the present, Ireland's relationship with the United States has been unique. In the US a welcome was extended to our people and a home and employment has been offered to our emigrants. Multinational investment by US companies in an Ireland that is part of the European Union is at uniquely high levels. The US Government has played an important role in achieving a peaceful solution to the problems in Northern Ireland. Coming from the mid-west region, I fully appreciate the investment by US companies in the Limerick-Shannon region. One firm alone, Dell, provides employment to 7,000 people. It is, therefore, in Ireland's national interest to allow the Shannon Airport stopover to continue. The overflight and landing facilities at the airport have been in existence for the past 50 years and, please God, they will continue for many more years.

I thank the Minister of State for his balanced address to the House. I fully support the motion. Ireland has a major responsibility and role to play to restore the role of the United Nations in achieving world peace. We also look forward to a leading role by this country and the voluntary organisations in rebuilding Iraq.