Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I support the call for a fuller debate on the Middle East peace process. Since there are so many issues which need to be addressed during that debate, it should take place at the earliest possible opportunity. One or two colleagues raised the issue of the ongoing carnage in Iraq. Yesterday, as a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, I was very interested to hear from elected Iraqi parliamentarians because we hear all sorts of comments from various commentators on the situation in Iraq. The Iraqi people have democratically elected a Parliament and some of the parliamentarians from across the political spectrum in Iraq met us yesterday. They are genuinely trying to chart the way forward for their people and country and they need our full support and understanding. I look forward to a broader debate on the issue.

I refer to the plan by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to build a new high security prison on Spike Island. This is the cause of grave concern in the locality. The local community is not concerned about the building of a new prison and has suggested other local alternatives but it is concerned about the plan to build a bridge to the island and of ruining the island which is a jewel of Cork Harbour. The plan is strongly opposed in the Cobh and east Cork area. Many people in Cobh believe Spike Island should be declared a national heritage site because of its history and tradition. The last thing we want is the building of a new high security prison on the island. Will the Leader ask the Minister to come to the House at the earliest possible opportunity to debate this plan? Apparently, it is part of his overall prisons policy but deep reflection is a required and, hopefully, a reversal of policy.