Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Government's acceptance of the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2005 in the other House. I am glad the Bill is to be taken in this House today. I expressed my approval of the Bill, which will amend the Coroners Act 1962, last week, following its publication by Deputy Rabbitte. It is good that the Government accepted a Private Members' Bill in the other House. I welcome its decision to ensure that the legislation will be passed swiftly before the Christmas recess.

Can I ask the Government what action it proposes to take following yesterday's description by the President of Iran of the Holocaust as a "myth"? The gentleman in question said some months ago that Israel should be "wiped off the map". Regardless of the difficulties between Iran and Israel and the clear differences of opinion in the Middle East, we all have a responsibility to ensure that the memory of the victims of the Holocaust is not forgotten.

I ask the Government and its EU colleagues to lodge the strongest possible objections and comments on foot of the recent remarks by the President of Iran. It was particularly insensitive of him to make such comments this year, when we are commemorating the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps at Belsen and Auschwitz. The Government and its EU counterparts need to take a very firm view of the latest outburst by the President of Iran.

I welcome the significant comments made last week by the former Taoiseach, Mr. Albert Reynolds, about the aid relief programme in Pakistan. The Leader of the House is aware that when we worked on the Seanad reform document I made a proposal, which was accepted by all Members, that former taoisigh be ex officio members, or non-voting members, of the House. There is vast experience among former taoisigh of all political parties and a platform should be provided for them as they have important things to say because of their connections in the world and their reputation as Leaders of Government over a whole generation. A way has to be found where that experience can be tapped into and used. I believe this House is the appropriate means by which that can be done. This is an important issue that I know our group on Seanad reform will take forward.