Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

You are correct, Sir.

While the US presidential election has yet to be finally determined by the declaration of a winner, it appears likely that President Bush has won a second term. Does the Leader agree that, whatever the result, America should now begin to acknowledge its historic role in the world and use its influence and power through engagement to bring about good in the world? The same commitment demonstrated by the US after the Second World War, with the establishment of NATO and the very significant funding it made available to help rebuild a devastated Europe after the fall of fascism, must now be brought to bear on many parts of the world because it is the only superpower left.

We wish success to whoever becomes US President after this process not only in the reunification of his country but also of the world, particularly in the context of delivering upon many vital issues. Throughout its history America has played a key role in world developments, particularly after the Second World War. The country's isolationist position after the First World War led it to withdraw into itself but it learned lessons from that because the Treaty of Versailles sowed the seeds for the rise of fascism some 20 years later. We must encourage the US President to re-engage with the world and use his influence in a positive manner.

The Leader kindly informed the House that Committee Stage of the Garda Síochána Bill is imminent. When exactly is it intended to bring the Bill before the House because the Opposition needs to prepare amendments? We have already prepared substantial amendments but there are more than 400 sections in the Bill and the Leader will appreciate that a timescale indicating when Committee Stage will be taken would be helpful.