Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Barrett that it would be useful to have a debate in this House on the issue of more liberalised trade between the US and Europe. There is a need for politicians, in particular at European level, to look closely at what needs to be done to generate economic growth within Europe. Germany and France are in recession and Japan, which has been in stagnation for almost 20 years, was in recession in the last quarter. These are serious situations. There are no green shoots on the horizon, so we need to deal with them.

I ask that the Leader provide for an early debate on Northern Ireland, in particular the reintroduction in Northern Ireland of internment without trial, although that is not what it is called. The Secretary of State has incarcerated many people, including Marian Price and others. A man in his 70s has been imprisoned without trial for the past 18 months in respect of alleged arms offences. This is unacceptable. It is what led to the 30-years of untold misery in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, the British Government appears to have learned nothing from that. My concern is that we could easily slide back into that situation.

I would like to make a comment on the report leaked yesterday. It appears from articles in the newspapers that Senator Bacik has seen the report. I am not sure if that is the case.