Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I join the call for debate on Iraq, not just on suicide bombings and killings but also on the provision of basic supplies such as water, sewerage, health and education, as all are affected by the terrible events there.

I join Senators' calls for an all-party motion on the eminent doctor from Sudan. It is very sad that a person who advocates human rights is not allowed to travel for an award. I note that one of the persons who nominated recipients of awards to be presented by the President was Senator Mooney.

Despite criticism of him, I support the Minister for Transport's actions on the western rail corridor. I welcome the fact that the Minister will go to the west at the weekend to see the corridor, an initiative which was started by our party leader many years ago.