Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I join with Senator Brian Hayes and all the other Senators who called for a debate with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, if the Leader might arrange it. Perhaps she might inform the House of the Government's intended scaleback of the decentralisation programme regarding timeframe, locations and numbers.

I fully agree with the remarks of Senator O'Toole regarding the matter discussed yesterday. Fair procedures would dictate a free vote. That is how the Leader and the Members would intend us to proceed. Like Senator O'Toole and others, I am grateful to the Leader for the efforts that she made yesterday and the meetings that have taken place behind the scenes. Perhaps she might say how she sees the House proceeding at this point, particularly regarding primary evidence.