Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the matter of the Middle East, the Iraq and Israel-Palestine situations, in the light of the frightful atrocities which have been carried out there. I have received word that there will be a full debate in this House next Wednesday on the Middle East. People have every right to put forward a motion, if they wish to do so. It would not be possible for me to send back the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, who is coming for Second Stage of the Adoptive Leave Bill 2004 and to fetch another Minister to debate the Middle East, just like that. I have limited powers.