Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

However, the concern is that these are the same Americans who previously made statements about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq which proved to be wrong. They have also made recent statements in respect of phosphorous bombs and were proved wrong. Why should we now believe Condoleezza Rice?

It is not satisfactory for the Government to state that it has asked a specific question and has received a response. There are concerns. It is not sufficient to suggest, as would the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that if people have proof they should give it to the Government. It is now imperative that the Government carries out investigations to try to find out what is going on. All Members are aware that there is much concern at present as to what is happening.