SEANAD REPORT: While RTÉ and The Irish Times had been outstanding in their unbiased commentary on the war in Iraq, most of the journalists reporting on the hostilities had "let us down on this issue," Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) told the House.
It would be very useful if a delegation of politicians from Ireland and other European countries went to Iraq to learn at first hand what was happening there, he suggested. Information gathered in this way could be used to have an informed debate on the conflict.
Ms Kathleen O'Meara (Lab) said that one of the most worrying aspects concerning the present war was the question as to whether we really knew what was going on and whether we could trust the information that was coming back to us. While the work of RTE and The Irish Times was to be commended, it was still difficult to discover the extent of the humanitarian crisis. This was a war that could last for years.
We could not stand by and pretend that we had no role and had nothing to say about the matter, she said.
Mr David Norris (Ind) said he wanted to acknowledge the honourable behaviour of certain people on the Government side of the House and their calls in firm tones for a continuing debate, some of which might lead to pressure on them from within their own parties.
In terms of discovering what was really going on in Iraq, they were very fortunate to have people such as Lara Marlowe and Richard Downes providing reports. "I salute their enormous courage."
Backing Mr O'Toole's suggestion about the sending of a delegation to Iraq, Mr Norris said he was an SRC, "a state registered coward. I really do not enjoy danger or the prospect of pain, but I will go if this is organised." The more such a delegation was comprised of European politicians the safer it would be, he believed.
Ms Sheila Terry (FG) said she was greatly distressed by the terrible pictures of civilian casualties in Iraq.
Mr John Minihan (PD) said he would welcome a debate on Iraq. "If for no other reason than to have balance in comments that are being made in the House."