Joe O'Toole (Independent)

To reiterate what previous speakers have said, it is crucially important that we recognise the effort, diplomatic and otherwise, Senator Norris has put into this motion. The motion, which is to become a resolution, praises the Government for its balanced policy. I have no difficulty in supporting it. I have always felt proud of the foreign policy position of successive Governments on the Middle East. The Minister of State has been part of this for a long time wearing various hats, and this is crucially important.

It is important to begin by reminding ourselves of the Holocaust and all that went with it. We have discussed it many times. Like the Leader of the House, I have also attended very moving memorial services to remember what was done to Jews, gays, gypsies and others in the Holocaust.

I speak as an unashamed long-time constant supporter of the Palestinian effort for recognition for a homeland. What is happening is obvious to the rest of the world. It will never be resolved by guns. Nevertheless, we cannot find a way of stopping it. It is a failure of politics and I am not sure how we can move on. It is not surprising that people forget. That is why it is important to remember the Holocaust. One of the great lessons of history, generation after generation, century after century, is that today's oppressed become tomorrow's oppressors. That has been the case with every single group in history. As soon as they find their way out, the circle of oppression comes into being.

There have been important moments in the Middle East. One of those was when Israel reluctantly accepted that there would be a Palestinian state. There was a great moment when President Arafat recognised that there would always be an Israeli state and said so publicly. Another important moment was recorded tonight by Senator Norris when he read the communication from President Arafat to the effect that he was not a supporter of suicide bombings and that they worsened the situation.

With the beginning of the first intifada conditions have gone steadily downhill. I remember feeling at that stage, despite all that was happening, that matters would only get worse. Time has rolled on and matters have got worse. The building of the wall is the final gesture of frustration, the final symbol of the failure of politics to solve this, as it is also the failure of force to solve it. It means that the sides must stand back from what is happening at present, which is absolutely unbearable to the Palestinian people. The Palestinian people as well should come firmly behind the points made by President Arafat. That could be a starting point and I hope that during our Presidency we can move things forward.

We should also unashamedly condemn Cement Roadstone Holdings for its involvement in the building of this wall. It is absolutely appalling. We should all be a part of that condemnation. I wish to share my remaining time with Senator Henry.