Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I agree with the remarks of Senator Ó Murchú on Iraq and the need for a debate. When the breakdown of law and order became obvious two weeks ago, all sides of the House agreed a debate was necessary. I ask the Leader to arrange such a debate. As Senator Ó Murchú has said what is happening in Iraq will reverberate around the world and there is no question but that it will have an impact here, whether separately or as members of the EU, or in terms of our relationship with the United States.

In regard to this weekend's activities, it should be noted that in Warsaw recently, in anticipation of difficulties and trouble, the centre of the city was completely closed off. Nobody turned up for a protest. It will be interesting to see what happens here. Certainly the reaction of the commercial centre of Dublin appears to be that undoubtedly there will be difficulties. It is unfortunate that is the main message going out for the weekend, rather than the celebration of such an historic event as the major and welcome enlargement of the European Union.