Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I concur with Senator Brian Hayes's comments in support of what my colleague, Senator Norris, has been saying for the last two weeks: we must have a continuing debate on the conflict in Iraq. There is an appalling picture in today's world newspapers showing the reburial of 600 of the 10,000 victims of the massacre in Srebrenica. It is only eight years since it happened but it is outstanding as one of the most remarkable incidences of neglect on the part of all of us. We European politicians who were in office at the time stood idly by. What is happening in Iraq is the slaughter of innocent people which we will regret in the near future. We will wonder about how it happened and ask for explanations.

We need to discuss our role in the context of what is happening in Iraq. I have asked time and again for a debate on neutrality. People were appalled and aghast at the fact that nothing was done in Srebrenica. They were also aghast that nothing was done about Kosovo. Although that is different from the Iraq issue, we need to give a political lead on these issues, if not any other kind of lead. We need to have a thought out position. A debate on Iraq which can focus on what is happening there would be extraordinarily useful, if only to allow Members of this House to articulate their views. It would be appalling to stand by without at least formulating a position.

The journalists of the world have let us down on this issue – embedded journalists, biased journalists, and television stations on which we can no longer depend for fair news.