Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support calls from Senator Brian Hayes and others for a debate on the Middle East. Dr. Condoleezza Rice has made an impressive start as Secretary of State of the US and hopefully the good work will continue.

I am surprised there have been no requests during the past ten days for a debate on Iraq. In the past two years, not a day has passed without some Member being particularly and rightly taxed about the situation in Iraq and requesting a debate on it. Historic elections, which were hugely successful, took place in that country on the Sunday before last. These elections must cause everyone to reflect on what the people of Iraq want done as opposed to what we might sometimes think they might want done. The people of this country and the European Union must respond in a positive way to what the people of Iraq are attempting to do, namely, chart their own future. I am surprised calls were not made last week for a debate on this matter.

The House has on many occasions debated what was the hopeless situation in Iraq and it must, at the earliest opportunity, discuss that country's future and how Ireland can help its people who have clearly and decisively indicated their desire that this future should be democratic. We must attempt to help them in that regard and we should commence by debating this issue at an early date.