John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

We are about to commit some 400 Irish troops to Liberia and will want to debate this over the next 12 to 18 months as the mission unfolds. We should debate the issue from the start and should be made aware of the situation on the ground and of the commitment we are making. As the issue is coming before the Dáil next week, I ask the Leader to consider arranging a debate.

I thank Senator Ryan for his support for the call I made yesterday for a debate on stem cell research. Senator Henry has been calling for this for some time. I am glad Senator Ryan is coming on board and that he agrees we should debate the issue. There is a need for that debate in order to clear up some of the myths coming forth in the argument. One only has to read the propaganda in some extremely right wing literature on the issue to see the non-factual and inaccurate statements being made. A debate would clear up those issues.