Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Browne spoke about the gangland shooting in Carlow and the growing drug problem which is not exclusive to the cities. He also spoke about the electoral process. There is so much canvassing going on now that the public is confused with so many people knocking on doors. I hope the result will be a high turn out of voters.

Senator Leyden wants the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, as President of the EU Council of Foreign Minister, to withdraw the special status afforded to Israel by the EU, and calls for a boycott of Israeli goods. He referred to the boycott of South African goods by workers at Dunnes Stores during the days of apartheid which affected the food market there. Perhaps it is a point that could be considered.

Senator Coghlan asked me to inform the House of the Government's intended scaling back of the decentralisation programme regarding timeframe, locations and numbers. I have not heard of a scaling back of decentralisation. The provinces are delighted at the prospect and posters are going up to welcome people. He also echoed Senator O'Toole's point and is quite correct in that regard.

Senator Jim Walsh raised the findings of the report into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. We are awaiting word from the Office of the Taoiseach that it can be proceeded with. It has been a couple of weeks since I asked about it and I will do so again, particularly as the 30th anniversary of the bombings has just passed.

Senator Ross talked about redefining our relationship with the United States. We have been saying the US is great, that it is investing in our economy and that it is wonderful, which it is. However, that should not cloud our views on other aspects of US policy, which is the point made by the Senator. One can say one thing about the investment and then go on to criticise other aspects of its policies. The idea that our mouths must remain closed about atrocities because of investment is incorrect. The Senator seconded the amendment proposed by Senator Norris for a change to the Order of Business.

Senator Minihan also wants a debate regarding the Middle East, which we will have. He always contributes in a very fine fashion to debates on this subject. He also recalled that it was the combined residents' associations in Leixlip that helped to bring all that money from Intel into the community.