David Norris (Independent)

Can I raise an issue relating to the European Commission? The House can arrange for MEPs to come here. A former President of the European Parliament has addressed the Seanad. The situation in Europe is so serious that we should ask such people to come to the House to explain what is going on. I supported the removal of Mr. Buttiglione, but I also spoke against the candidacy of a woman who had a serious conflict of interest and a person who was being put in charge of tax matters but had no fiscal understanding whatever.

We have now learned that Mr. Barrot, who was originally proposed as the justice Commissioner, had a conviction for embezzlement. People in Ireland are entitled to know what is going on in Europe. Why are totally unsuitable people being proposed as Commissioners? Why can decent candidates not be found?

I would also like to ask for a debate on Iraq. I would like a specific and clear answer on the matter from the Leader today or tomorrow. I understand that she has certain difficulties. However, I will be placed in a difficult position if I do not receive an answer today or tomorrow — I will have to continue to demand an answer. I refer specifically to the Gulfstream jet that has been landing at Shannon Airport. It has been widely stated that the jet has been adapted to facilitate the transport of kidnapped persons to destinations where they may be subject to torture at the behest of the CIA. As Shannon Airport is being used, we are entitled to know how many times the aeroplane has landed there. Has it landed 14 times, or 16 times? Has the Garda used its powers to investigate the matter by boarding an aeroplane to search it?

In light of the behaviour of the allied forces in Iraq, it is vital that we should get this information. They appear to be driving tanks over wounded people in the streets of Falluja. There is no doubt that they are murdering unarmed people in mosques. Can one imagine what would happen if someone attacked a church and shot unarmed elderly people dead? The press is being muzzled, since it has only embedded people there. They have assassinated reporters from various countries and bombed the offices of Al-Jazeera television. We are being denied information and war crimes are being committed in which this country is complicit. That is why the Taoiseach is refusing to answer these questions in Dáil Éireann, and it is imperative that this House gets the answer that I have sought for at least six weeks with the support of my colleague, Senator Henry. I have not received a single answer. The Leader has simply stated on every occasion that she notes my question. There is not much point in noting a question unless one gets an answer.