Derek McDowell (Labour)

I refer first to the decision yesterday by EU Commissioner David Byrne to in effect allow the sale of genetically modified foods in Europe, specifically a form of genetically modified sweetcorn. Two issues arise in this area, the first being the decision itself and the second the manner in which it was taken.

To put it very mildly, it is unfortunate that the decision was taken by the Commission in the absence of a qualified majority at the Council of Ministers. Such decisions should ideally be taken by Parliament or by the direct representatives of the national governments. For the decision in question to be taken by the Commissioner or by the Commission generally, particularly in the circumstances which obtained, was to say the least unfortunate.

I am among those with a totally open mind regarding genetically modified foods. If it can be shown that the science involved is safe, I have no difficulty with the sale of such foods being allowed. We need a much better public debate than we have had so far, and this House might facilitate such a debate.

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes regarding the appalling actions of the Israeli defence forces yesterday in Gaza. These were brutal acts of terrorism in the literal sense. What they did yesterday was clearly intended to, and had the effect of, inflicting terror on a large portion of the civilian population of that part of Gaza.

I listened with growing incredulity to the apologists for the Israel Defence Forces and the Israeli Government yesterday as they attempted to defend what was done by saying that basically they needed to root out militants in that part of Gaza before withdrawing. I recall, as I am sure others in the House do, the remarks of Martin McGuinness a few months ago at the Saville inquiry when he said that whatever they intended on Bloody Sunday in 1972, the British Army provided the provos with their best possible recruitment tool and that for weeks afterwards, young men in Derry were queuing to join the Provisional IRA. I am sure something similar will happen in the next few weeks in the back streets of Gaza as young men seek to join those militant organisations looking to inflict violence on the people of Israel. How people in Israel, in the defence forces or in government, can possibly think this adds to the security of the people of Israel beggars belief.