Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I am willing to arrange a debate on neutrality but there is a difference between the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána acting with great distinction as UN peacekeepers in troubled places and the abandonment of neutrality. The people must decide whether it can be abandoned. One must not throw out the baby with the bathwater just because it is a current fad. Senator Ryan spoke about the UN Charter. Senator Minihan of the Progressive Democrats has served with great distinction in several assignments abroad. I am confident he will contribute to a debate on neutrality.

Senator Ryan also spoke about the arms business, which is behind much of what is happening. The munitions industry and its financing is huge. He also asked for a debate on the war against terrorism.

Senator Lábhrás Ó Murchú is in agreement with the point made by Senator O'Toole regarding the policy on gaelscoileanna. Schools in the genuine Gaeltacht are losing teachers and see that the other schools are retaining or gaining teachers. He wishes to congratulate the Taoiseach on his meeting with the loyalist commission. I also congratulate the Taoiseach on that meeting. I hope to arrange for the Taoiseach to talk to the House on those matters. I have not asked him yet but I hope we will be able to make an arrangement.

Senator Higgins asked about Garda inquiries. They were internal inquiries and that is why they were not made public. I am confident that proper arrangements were implemented as a result of those internal Garda inquiries.