Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

All Members were pleased to hear the wonderful news emanating from Croke Park that we appear to be in sight of introducing an international ban on cluster munitions, an issue that was debated in this House only last month. Praise must be given to the Government for hosting this conference. It was good to hear the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. Gordon Brown, confirm on the radio this morning that the United Kingdom would sign up. The United Kingdom's actions helped to influence others to come on board. However, three superpowers have not signed up, namely, America, Russia and China. They still lie outside the court of international opinion on this issue. Ireland can take steps to put pressure on them. For instance, our ambassadors in the aforementioned three countries can work on them through diplomatic channels. Moreover, most Members will have received this morning a letter from Amnesty International, from a former Member of this House, asking them to sign a petition. People also can contact their friends and families in the United States and ask them to try to contact the three remaining presidential candidates in an effort to include the issue in the presidential debate in that country. We now are in sight of securing an international ban and everyone can do his or her bit to make it a reality.

I read in Tuesday's edition of the Financial Times that Standard & Poor's have stated there has been a sharp rise in the number of people who now are in mortgage arrears even though the economy remains quite strong. However, with rising prices and increases in unemployment rates, there is a real concern that increasing numbers of people will fall into mortgage arrears. People have been encouraged for years to buy their own houses and now they need help.

I too am concerned about potential delays to the implementation of the national development plan. If anything, investment in the national development plan should be increased. If this entails arguing with the European Central Bank for a temporary derogation in the percentage of money that can be borrowed, that should be done. However, if investment is increased, it is important that it should be focused in certain areas. We must invest in education, broadband and transport infrastructure. Investment in those areas will bring more jobs and will guarantee that homeowners can pay their bills.

In the past I have called for a debate on the responsiveness of emergency units to accidents and Members will have observed that Dublin already has experienced gridlock several times this year. Another incident took place at 2.30 a.m. this morning when an accident occurred on the M1 at Swords. It had not been cleared up six hours later and consequently, the M1 was closed at peak hour and people still are sitting in their cars. As I speak, the tailbacks have reached Drogheda. This probably is the first Irish traffic jam that can be seen from space. People are missing business meetings and I spoke to one person this morning who was late for a hospital appointment. Moreover, people trying to reach the airport have missed flights. This issue must be tackled. I am fed up asking for a debate on emergency services and the manner in which they respond. It is vital to be able to clear up accidents as soon as possible. I again ask the Leader to arrange for a debate on this subject.