David Norris (Independent)

I join my colleagues who have asked for a debate on Iraq. It is significant that Mr. Rumsfeld, who I believe stands convicted of being a war criminal, should have made such a point as reported at 7 a.m. on "Morning Ireland". It was a virtual admission that there were no weapons of mass destruction. It was the lead item in the news headlines but by 9 a.m. had dropped to third or fourth place. There was no analysis of what was the most significant item. I find this astonishing and regrettable.

It also indicates President Bush violated the US Constitution because the only excuse for war is a clear and present danger. He said categorically there was a clear and present danger in Iraq. It is now obvious there was not. However, they probably knew that to begin with. Mr. Rumsfeld, not abashed by any of this, went on to intimate that he was within an ace of declaring war on Iran also. Where is this lunacy going to end? Surely we are going to protest against it. I strongly support Senator Ryan in what he said.

I ask that in any motion passed by the Seanad we include the terms of the resolution passed unanimously by the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. It would assist our very able Minister for Foreign Affairs if he had resolutions from the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Seanad. This could be done quickly. There are five motions on Iraq on the Order Paper in the names of Independent Members, Nos. 17, 25, 27, 28 and 29. Members from all sides of the House still feel this is an important issue.

I ask the Leader about the appointment of an ombudsman for children. It is regrettable that, despite the fact we have made legislative provisions for this, it does not seem to have happened. Will the Leader confirm my worrying suspicions on this matter? Senator Ryan and I inserted an extra section in the Children Act providing for the appointment of a guardian ad litem to protect the rights of children. There has been no appointment to this post either. Can we have an appointment for both the ombudsman for children and the guardian ad litem?