Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I support the proposal of Senator Norris for a debate on the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and on the slaughter of Palestinians. It would be worthwhile having this debate as soon as possible because it is an emergency situation. We should invite the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to the House to outline his views and policies in this regard.

I ask the Leader to consider arranging a debate on the issue of undocumented Irish people in America. This issue is related to what Senator Ryan said about the fingerprinting of people travelling to the United States as and from 1 October. This makes it extremely difficult for people without proper documentation in the United States to return home for funerals, weddings or other events.

I came across a case during the summer where a person from Roscommon had to go through Canada where she was arrested and sent back to Ireland because she did not have the proper documentation. She had to return home with her boyfriend. She came to visit her father who was going for an operation.