David Norris (Independent)

I ask the Leader for a debate on the situation concerning health, in particular tuberculosis. I raised this issue some weeks ago in the context of the resurgence of the habit of spitting. This is of particular concern given that there is now a resistant strain of TB and that the only consultant dealing with the disease has been removed from Peamount Hospital. In the circumstances prevailing in the country we need a proper service to cater for tuberculosis.

I join colleagues calling for a debate on the Middle East. Sheikh Yassin was a sinister and fanatical figure and although I question the degree of his spirituality, he was entitled to due process of law. The man was a paraplegic and it was appalling to see him and seven or eight others targeted in this fashion. There is no question that this will do damage. I think of Patrick Pearse's oration at the grave of O'Donovan Rossa: "The fools, the fools, they have left us our Fenian dead." A new icon has been created and matters have been stirred up. Sinister domestic political motives are involved. This issue was raised earlier and the US has a heavy responsibility because it did not condemn this. Since President Bush was elected the situation has gone downhill steadily because Mr. Sharon operates in the penumbra of morality created by President Bush.