Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Norris about the lobby of the Abbey Theatre. I knew Daithí Hanly well and he was a great friend of mine. The stones are preserved and numbered. There is much interest abroad in this issue and the lobby should be incorporated into any new Abbey Theatre that may be built.

Recently, there has been much disparity in judgments made in the courts, whereby a person might walk free in one case while in another he or she is not even allowed to appeal. The training of judges must be examined more carefully.

I am aware the Leader has stated the amount of legislation before the House means there is not much time for debate. However, in the coming weeks she may be able to make time for a general debate on the Middle East. In common with previous speakers, I condemned the war at the time by stating it was immoral and illegal. Be that as it may, it is still with us and must be considered. In a recent semi-private visit to Lebanon and Syria, in each country I met the President, Vice President, speaker, foreign minister and others. Having so done, I am convinced we in the West have a jaundiced and biased view of all Arab culture and politics, which has been fostered by western so-called democracies. I have viewed and discussed the Golan Heights from both the Israeli point of view and the other side. There are aspects of Middle Eastern policy about which Members have very little understanding.