Hard, fast and specific military strikes were needed to bring the bully-boy dictator of Yugoslavia back to the negotiating table, Mr Paul Coghlan (FG) told the House. He was reacting to calls by Government and Opposition members for a debate on the Kosovo crisis.
Mr Maurice Manning, the Fine Gael leader in the House, stressed the need to know clearly what the Government's attitude was.
Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) noted that the first World War had originated in the Balkans 85 years ago. It seemed that this century would close with another war in that part of Europe. Ireland had come through a period when we did not know what our position was when Hitler decided to exterminate the Jews or when other horrendous things happened.
On the need to ensure that there was no confusion over Kosovo, he said: "I think the Government needs to have a position and the Irish people need to have a position that is well discussed. We need to find that position between not interfering in the internal affairs of a nation and, at the same time, not standing back when some sort of genocide is taking place."
The Labour leader in the House, Mr Joe Costello, expressed disappointment that the Minister for Foreign Affairs seemed to have been evasive and not to have an opinion, good, bad or indifferent, as far as this State's position on the NATO strikes was concerned. Mr Andrews should come into the House at the earliest possible opportunity.
The deputy Government leader in the House, Mr John Dardis (PD), said it was important that the Minister would be present for a debate.
The leader of the House, Mr Donie Cassidy, congratulated Mr Andrews on his stance last Wednesday and on helping to ensure that the Berlin EU Summit considered the Kosovo situation. Time would be provided for the making of statements in the Seanad today.
THE US Federal Bureau of Investigation should conduct the investigation into the murder of Lurgan solicitor Ms Rosemary Nelson, Mr Costello contended. He was not happy with the statement of Lord Dubs, the British Security Minister in the North, that the RUC was best qualified to handle the inquiry.
Mr Costello said he believed the RUC was the worst qualified to undertake the inquiry in view of the report by the Independent Commission on Police Complaints, which showed that the previous inquiry by the force into death threats against Ms Nelson had been a total sham. The Minister for Foreign Affairs should bring it to the attention of the British authorities that an independent body would have to investigate this murder.
WHILE no one begrudged the significant Government expenditure on sport, it was time we got our priorities right when it came to the treatment of those suffering from mental handicap, said the Leas-Cathaoirleach, Mr Liam Cosgrave (FG).
Mr Cosgrave pressed for the provision of extra funding to assist people with learning difficulties in the south-east Dublin and east Wicklow regions.
The long waiting lists were unacceptable, he said. There were around 97 people waiting for residential places and about 180 for respite care. There must be an immediate financial injection to meet the capital costs of around £7 million and the current costs amounting to about £2 1/2 million.
Responding on behalf of the Minister for Health, Mr Ahern, Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs, said services in the south Dublin and Wicklow area would be receiving additional funding of £585,000 for 21 new residential/respite places and an initial allocation of £310,000 for 31 day places. Further discussions were taking place to finalise the overall position regarding day services.