Shane Ross (Independent)

I formally second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Norris. While enough has been said about the horror going on in Iraq, we deserve an explanation of the things that are being done in our name. It would be appropriate for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to attend the House weekly, not only to explain the Government's position but also to tell us what the Government thinks is happening because nobody else seems to know. It might be enlightening for Members of the House to get an update on what is actually happening on the ground. I presume the Government's sources are better than our own and, indeed, better than most of the journalists' out there who have only a limited perspective.

In the past, a Chathaoirligh, you very kindly allowed Senator White time to make a statement on her visit to Colombia. Perhaps I could ask your permission for her to give an explanation for her attendance at the Sinn Féin Ard-Fheis.