David Norris (Independent)

I concur with Senator O'Toole that this is an unofficial strike which does not have union sanction and that unions have behaved responsibly. It is somewhat unfair to transfer by analogy events taking place within the rail services to Aer Lingus in an attempt to discredit those, such as myself, who oppose privatisation. This unofficial strike is undemocratic, inappropriate and damaging to tourism. Many of us heard the anger expressed on the radio by foreign visitors to our shores.

I commend the staff of St. Patrick's Cathedral on their humane approach to the awkward situation in which a group of about 40 Afghans have camped in the cathedral. Although I understand the reservations of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, it would be useful were he to meet them without giving any commitments. These people are in despair and have indicated they will starve themselves to death. They come from an appalling country, in which their lives are plainly at risk. Given that we are seeking favourable treatment for our own vulnerable emigrants to the United States of America, we ought to be sensitive in our treatment of these people rather than drive them into a corner. They have shown the imagination and capacity to come here in difficult circumstances. They would be an addition to this country. The Minister could, as happened in Belgium, meet these people without commitment. Belgium allowed them to stay, and that would be the decent thing to do especially in light of the appalling record of those charged by us to examine people's cases. There is at least one person who has boasted that he has never let anybody in. That is not good enough. We should investigate this.

I support the calls for a debate on the Middle East, especially Palestine. The United States and the European Union have behaved disgracefully in refusing to allow funds to go to a democratically elected government. While it may not be of the complexion we would welcome, it is elected and, as Senator Ryan said, the civilian population is being used as a lever. While we were abroad on parliamentary business last week I saw on the BBC World Service a father grieving by the bedside of his nine year old son, waiting for him to die as a result of lack of parts for a kidney dialysis machine. The doctor explained that the boy was drowning in his own waste products and would inevitably die owing to a lack of equipment that should have been supplied. The funds for such equipment are being withheld. The death of that boy, which is now taking place, is a reproach to the conscience of decent people everywhere and we should put pressure on our Government to ensure at least the basic elements of welfare for this suffering people.