Does the Minister for Defence accept that the American and British war on Iraq has already begun? Is he aware of the escalation and intensification of the bombing of Iraq in recent days in defiance of international law and clearly in defiance of international opinion?

In light of the Taoiseach's statement that there should not be an attack on Iraq in the absence of a second Security Council resolution, will the Government withdraw permission for the use of Shannon Airport as a staging post in this war to which the people and others throughout the world are clearly opposed? On the issue of accountability the Minister claims for the Government, given that the war has begun, will the Minister have a full and thorough debate on the issue in line with the commitment of the Taoiseach, leading to a vote on the State's stance on the war and the continued use of Shannon Airport as a staging post for war-destined traffic?

I believe these reports are unconfirmed and obviously I would not wish to comment further on that.

I saw it on Sky television last weekend.

The Government will decide its view in light of the inspectors' report of 7 March. The Minister for Transport has indicated there will be a debate in this House should there be any change in respect of flights landing at Shannon Airport.

Surely there is a responsibility and a major onus on the Minister for Defence to have a position other than that of the Minister for Transport on this issue. How can the Minister talk about unconfirmed reports when we see on our television screens the intensification and escalation of which I speak? There is no denial of this on the part of the US and British participation in the Gulf region. This is an undoubted and reported fact. There is a responsibility as committed by the Taoiseach to bring this fact before the House to allow for a full and substantive debate and a vote to be taken.

I presume the Minister has some responsibility for and function in the security operation at Shannon Airport, in backing up the civil powers. What is the cost to the taxpayer of the ongoing presence of Garda and Defence Forces personnel?

What is the Minister's view of the reaction of the US Administration to the vote of the Turkish Parliament to deny US and British access to that country? Does the Minister not think it strange to find ourselves on the reactionary side of Turkish opinion?

Your minute has concluded.

What is the Government position on the Turkish view? How does the Minister view the ongoing US effort to bribe members of the Turkish Parliament to overturn their decision?

Sometimes I have enough difficulty making decisions on serious matters affecting this country—

I am glad the Minister acknowledges that. We have noted it already.

—without deciding for other Governments and other countries. I do not have the exact costs of the operation at Shannon Airport. The additional costs for the Defence Forces personnel involve only security duty allowances, because their salaries would be paid anyhow. I have nothing further to add on what I said earlier about this.