Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I share the outrage expressed by Senator Minihan, a former captain in the Irish Army who brings his valuable insight into the manner in which military orders are transmitted. I agree with him fully that the grunts, as they are called, should not be the only people who are brought to account, although I look forward to the day that Lynndie England, who was pictured with her thumbs up and her fingers pointing, comes to trial. I ask the Leader, in light of the outrage that continues to unfold in our daily newspapers, to consider asking the Minister for Foreign Affairs, despite his busy schedule, to come to the House for an urgent debate on Iraq next week. Government time should be given for a debate so that this House can reflect the national outrage. As Senator Minihan said, the USA is our friend. I have been the most pro-American of Senators, but I am on record as saying I am totally opposed to unilateralism. We have now seen the results of that. I do not have any conscience about the matter.

Does the Leader agree that the uncovering of the AIB affair was an example of excellent investigative journalism? This is yet another reason we should continue to nourish and protect public service broadcasting, which is under threat throughout Europe from commercial private interests. Charlie Bird and the news team in RTE served the public interest in the best possible way by exposing this fraud.