Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We will have to invent a moveable platform. Senator Ryan spoke about the unthinkable act of taking money from widows. We will hear what the Minister has to say today, which will be very useful. The issue of terrorism in Palestine was also raised. There was a debate on the matter on the radio as I travelled to Dublin early this morning. It was mind boggling. It is as if the Israelis are programmed to say the same thing all the time. Senator Dardis referred to the terrible event of the assassination of Sheikh Yassin as well as to Second Stage of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. Senator Finucane requested that the Israeli ambassador be invited to the House to account for his country's activities, particularly the latest atrocity. That request will be passed on to the office of the Taoiseach.

Senator Mooney raised the Middle East question and referred to Mr. Sharon who congratulated himself and his cabinet on what had happened. It is mind numbing. Senator Mooney also spoke about the anti-social behaviour of people on St. Patrick's Day. No. 12 on the Order Paper deals with over-indulgence in alcohol. While we all express our abhorrence of this behaviour, we must look at ourselves too. I do not refer to Members in particular, but to older, middle-aged people. We are part of society and we cannot simply stand back and condemn a group. We have all contributed to the conditions which have led to circumstances in which it is unsafe to leave one's house at night in certain areas. There is a limit to what a Minister or gardaí can do, no matter how many of the latter are on the street.

Senator Norris expressed worry about the resurgence of tuberculosis. I understand a consultant has taken a matter to court in this regard. The Senator then referred to President Bush. I saw and heard Commissioner Conroy who said quite clearly yesterday that it would be a matter for the Garda to enforce the law if there was any breach thereof. I am satisfied by that.

Senator Ó Murchú's comment was highly significant. Like the Senator, I have never diverged from the facts on the Iraq war which some of us here expressed clearly. I am glad that on at least one issue I made up my mind correctly very early on. There is a need for a debate on the manner in which international figures and events are shaped by the people. When there is hypocrisy, why does everybody seem to forget it straight after it has happened? They pass on to other matters as if the hypocrisy did not matter. Daily, we hear that the link it was attempted to forge in the public mind between al-Qaeda and Iraq never existed. That was done to make people feel better about an invasion which was utterly wrong. I will seek to provide for a debate along those lines.

Senator Browne spoke about the NRA and the dual-carriageway to the south-east. He should take the matter up directly with Senator Dardis as I am tired of listening to the two of them.