Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Mother knows best. SenatorÓ Murchú referred to Iraq and Israel. I fully agree with what he said about the fact that we can feel helpless as a Chamber in a small country but that should not lead us to speech paralysis on the matter. We have the opportunity to talk and we should do so. Senator Norris praised Bishop Willie Walsh. However, he did say that if President Bush came he should get the respect due to him, while noting that he thought it an inappropriate time for a visit. Regarding Iraq and Israel, the words in The Guardian were chilling. It is just so awful. The Senator said we should operate the human rights protocol. Senator White mentioned her husband, and referred to the very advanced microchip developed by Intel some years ago and which led to further investment in Leixlip. She wants a debate on competitiveness. The Tánaiste was here about three or four months ago for a debate on competitiveness. The Senator also gave us her assessment of the three Irishmen who were tried in Colombia, and I thank her for that.