Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

In light of Senator Higgins's comments, I wish to state that we have been very well served, generally speaking, by the Garda Síochána, which has given courageous service in difficult circumstances. We should recognise that any difficulties which have arisen are minute when compared to the service provided, in the interests of the State, by an excellent and brave force.

Will the Leader provide time, before the summer recess, for a detailed debate on the crisis in Palestine and Israel? There is an undeclared war taking place in the region and it is a matter of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, with car bombs, assassination attempts and general carnage. The superior Israeli force is well supplied with American equipment, while the Palestinians are badly equipped. This House should debate the matter. I welcome the establishment of the all-party and non-party group, Friends of Palestine in the Oireachtas, and I wish the group well. Its vice-chairman is Senator Ó Murchú and its chairman is Deputy Michael D. Higgins.