Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Yes, but it came into force 14 months ago. It is hoped the discussions, which concern terms, conditions and finance, will be concluded quickly. The Departments are actively engaged in deliberations on the issue. I will get back to the Senator on the issue, about which I made inquiries around two weeks ago. A long time has elapsed since this promising initiative which was welcomed all round.

I am delighted to join Senator Ryan in condemning the rip-off culture here. He graphically described the increases in the price of oil, petrol and diesel. Rather than condemning the rate of price increases, we must, as the Senator stated, examine business practices.

I hope to have a debate on foreign affairs during the week after next. Senator Ryan also noted that it suddenly appears there are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Their presence there was cited as the guiding reason for going to war against Iraq. We did not believe it then and do not believe it now.