Alex White (Labour)

With respect, the Cathaoirleach indicated the approach the House will take to the ordering of business and the sequence of speakers. It is necessary for me to record the unhappiness of the Labour Party in regard to the sequence of speakers and groups as it has been outlined. I do not wish to clash with the Chair in this regard today. I realise it is an appropriate matter for the relevant committee and I am happy that it should be dealt with there. However, I thought I should note the matter at this point.

The Labour Party supports the proposal by Senator Fitzgerald on behalf of Fine Gael for a debate on the Shannon Airport issue. There has been a great deal of huffing and puffing on this issue throughout the summer months. Given the House is back in session, a matter of such importance for regional development and the economy ought to be discussed. We warmly support Senator Fitzgerald's call in this regard.

Many issues will preoccupy the House today and in the coming days and weeks but the matter of Burma, which was rightly raised by Senator O'Toole, is of great importance. It is vital we reflect on the great bravery of the people on the streets of Burma, who may well be under attack at this time from the police and military of that country. I have just returned from representing my party at the British Labour Party conference in Bournemouth where this issue was a preoccupation. As Senator O'Toole noted, the British Prime Minister sought to have the matter pursued at the international level, as it should be.