Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I support Senator Terry regarding Dáil and Seanad secretaries and the need to pay them properly. Senator Norris referred to the move by Ireland to sponsor the motion condemning anti-Semitism, which I welcome. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, into the House to speak on the issue? Given our impending assumption of the EU Presidency, it is important to debate foreign affairs policy with the Minister. Foreign affairs will be to the forefront of this Presidency because of the situation in Iraq and acts of terrorism in places like Turkey. Ireland needs to play a critical but positive role in foreign affairs issues, for example, on the need for progress between Israel and Palestine in securing fair and secure Israeli and Palestinian states.

We had a very good debate last week about Liberia and the contribution of our troops to peacekeeping missions. We said last week that we would have an ongoing debate on the work of our troops there and that we would monitor the situation. I wish our troops well in their work in Liberia.