Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Follow that, as they say in the show business world. I endorse all that has been said. However, I am concerned that a trend might develop. I do not doubt Senator Tuffy's contribution on Irish involvement at UN level. The main problem in Iraq at present, however, apart from the horrific images we have seen, is that there is no stability or security. In fact, the United Nations and its personnel are also the targets of insurgents in Iraq. We cannot forget Sergio de Mello and his staff, who were blown up when they were attempting to bring peace, stability and security to Iraq.

The question is what this small country can do to reflect the anger, outrage and frustration expressed in the Chamber this morning. We believe strongly in the multilateral nature of the United Nations. It is incumbent on the Irish Foreign Minister, who, along with the Taoiseach, is constantly conveying the views of the Irish nation under the EU Presidency, to call for an urgent debate in the United Nations. The major powers, particularly America and Britain who are involved in Iraq, are attempting to devise an agreed resolution for the hand-over of sovereignty at the end of June. That hand-over seems to be further away than even they thought it would be. I cannot envisage a hand-over of sovereignty. To whom can it be given?

The best way forward for a small country such as Ireland, which has a strong international profile, is urgently to seek a debate at the United Nations to ensure the voice of the world will not only be directed towards the Americans for the torture that occurred but also towards the appalling imagery we have seen over the past few days. There are two sides to this and one feeds off the other.

I have a brief question about legislation. Can the Leader of the House find out when it is proposed to make a decision on the findings of the independent electoral commission? The proposals of the commission, which have had a strong impact on my county, is to split County Leitrim in two for electoral purposes. There is a strong ground swell of opposition to that proposition on the part of major sporting, cultural and other organisations, including the IFA and the GAA. When will the Government make a decision on the findings of the independent electoral commission?