John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with Senator McDowell on the necessity for a debate on the matter of European interest rates and the management of the European economy. It is well signalled that the rate will increase by 0.25% to 0.5% when the bank meets today. The bank is doing this due to fears about inflationary pressures within Europe. A common system is now in place but there are wider issues concerning interest rates and the effect on mortgage holders that the House could usefully discuss.

The Leas-Chathaoirleach will be aware of the continuing interest of the House in the situation in East Timor. There have been many debates over the years with regard to issues such as the massacre in Dili, where Indonesian troops opened fire on defenceless people and many were killed. We were also consistently supportive of Tom Hyland and the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign. I had the privilege of representing this House and meeting the then Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, with regard to the matter.

We must voice our dismay at what has taken place in the most recently emerged democracy in the world, where there has been great violence, looting, burning and loss of life. In that context, I ask the Leader to convey to the Minister for Foreign Affairs our desire to see the UN police force receive a mandate to travel to East Timor to restore order. I hope there will be Irish participation in that force because we have a deep knowledge of the situation there and have a history which indicates that we can make a serious contribution to that island.