David Norris (Independent)

In the light of the welcome and positive reports that appeared in the newspapers today about the Cabinet proposals for a €20 billion transport initiative over the next few years, which will include a metro with a link to Dublin Airport and on to Swords, I ask the Leader for a debate on this important subject. It is necessary for the House to give support because the idea for the metro came from here. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport unanimously supported a metro and has commissioned a report from an independent expert which has also endorsed it. At this stage, it would be politically useful to give the Government support, particularly because there will be the usual cavilling questions from the Department of Finance.

I also ask for a debate on Iraq because it has been some time since we monitored the situation there and it was useful when we did so previously. We now know that the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, clearly lied because we are in possession of the full text of Lord Goldsmith's advice to the British Government. The terms in which this advice was written raise worries about the morality of politics in our neighbouring island. It includes references like "greying the line" and notes that matters would be illegal, but that efforts must be made to try to justify it. We no longer hear so much about it. However, almost every day, there are explosions in Iraq, with ten, 20, 30, 60 or 100 people killed. They say the war is won and is over. It is a disaster, and we should not let it slip from our consciousness.

On a positive note, an anniversary has occurred that we should be proud to celebrate in Ireland. I have just received the Genealogical Society of Ireland's newsletter, as have the other Members. Until I read it, I was not aware that this year is the flag of the European Union's 50th anniversary. The flag, with its blue background and 12 gold stars reflecting the membership, was designed by the Chief Herald of Ireland and accepted by the EEC in 1955. We can be proud that the flag, which is still used as the emblem of the European Union, was produced by Irish genius and craftsmanship and we should celebrate this 50th anniversary.