John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Senators Glynn, Ó Murchú, Lydon and Quinn all spoke about the tragic case of Councillor Eddie Fullerton. This case merits inquiry and I will try to further that. I take Senator Glynn's point that all Members must do what they can in this regard. The Pat Finucane case also has relevance. Senator Quinn made an important point on the capacity of the British to deal with suspected terrorists. They can lock them up or inquire into their activities for 28 days, which is also relevant in this context.

Senator Henry raised the issue of the Environmental Protection Agency report on private water schemes. There have been some rather disappointing results in this regard over an extended period. As for the issue regarding cryptosporidium, I find it difficult to understand why the source cannot be found. While I would have thought this was a straightforward exercise, perhaps that is not the case. I will try to get the Minister to come to the House to deal with the issue.

Senators John Paul Phelan and Mansergh spoke on the appalling situation in Zimbabwe. It is terrible to think that members of the opposition would have been ill-treated to the extent that their lives appear to have been put at risk. As Senator Phelan noted, it was a highly productive agricultural country and many Irish people who farmed well there were obliged to leave the country. It is appalling to think that the country is literally unable to feed itself when it has such an extraordinary capacity.