Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I have suggested a debate on the Middle East. I raised this in light of the recent visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Middle East. It would be useful for the House to be updated on the situation. Senator Ryan and I agree on the basics but as a result of the Saudi Arabian initiative last week, which brought Fatah and Hamas together for the purpose of forming a unity government, the Quartet met yesterday. The Quartet represents what I believe to be world opinion and includes representation from the United Nations, Russia, the United States and all those among whom there would be a divergence of opinion on the way forward in the Middle East. It is slightly disingenuous to suggest that world opinion is out of step with Hamas and its view regarding its forming a unity government. There is, however, a lack of clarity regarding the way forward in the Middle East.

I agree with Senator Ryan that serious, genuine and sincere attempts are being made by all sides in Palestine to stop the bloodshed. Ultimately, it is the Palestinian people who are suffering as a result of the political vacuum that has been created. It would, therefore, be important and timely for the Leader to request that the Minister for Foreign Affairs come to the House in order that he might outline the Government's position on this matter and that Members on all sides might have an opportunity to comment.

I wish to refer to a recent request I made regarding a debate on immigration. A report, which emanated from the Commission on Immigration and Cohesion, was published yesterday by the UK authorities. It points out that the most fundamental requirement relating to people who enter the UK and who wish to live there is that they should learn the language. We should consider the report in question and take on board what it has to say. Events in Britain provide a mirror image of what is happening here and the report focuses on the large-scale immigration that took place since the UK, Ireland and Sweden opened their borders to workers following the accession of new member states in 2004. This is a serious issue for Irish society and we should focus on integration and policies attaching thereto. It is time to engage in regular debates on this issue——