Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I know the Senator did not say that but I wish to put it on the record of the House. I telephoned the Taoiseach before Christmas and again last weekend and he returned my call. We have quite a good telephone relationship. I wish to state clearly that he did not put any pressure or onus upon me to desist from my point of view. It is important to set the record straight on that matter. I acted in a pragmatic way — I am nothing if not pragmatic.

I am aware of the long-held views of Senators Mooney and Dooley on the matter. Morality and jobs should not be linked. I understand the warm relationship between Ireland and the United States. I have my own views on the matter but that is another day's work. I responded to the pressure of numbers. I spoke privately to each of the three Senators.

A motion has been proposed by Senators Norris and Bradford. The pictures from Abu Ghraib shown on television last night and this morning were awful. There is a lot I could say and I will do so when the House has a debate on Iraq. It is not possible to have a debate on Iraq today. It is not possible to pluck a Minister from wherever he or she is and haul them in here. The Senators are entitled to table a motion and have a vote but I am equally entitled to explain to the House that I cannot fish out a Minister and bring him or her in here.