The Government promised that in the event of conflict breaking out, the issue would be debated in the Oireachtas and this promise has been honoured. A vigorous debate took place in the Dáil yesterday. There were many thoughtful contributions and the Government acknowledges the sincerity with which the different sides in this debate hold their views. This is not a time for recrimination or triumphalism. We must respect the freedom of speech which is guaranteed here but denied in Iraq. There have been divisions within the Security Council, within the European Union and within the international community at large. We need to look to the future. This is a time to begin repairing those divisions. Kofi Annan, who has been so prominent a figure in defence of peace, put it very well when he said "Let us not dwell on the divisions of the past. Let us confront the realities of the present, however harsh, and look for ways to forge stronger unity in the future."