Inspired by Senator Michael McDowell, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that, instead of No. 4 being taken at 12:30 p.m., we have statements on the appointment of judges. I hope the Tánaiste would be present, but even if she was not, we could have statements at 12:30 p.m. at the conclusion of the Order of Business.

Regarding the situation in Syria, a matter raised by my Green Party colleague, Senator Grace O'Sullivan, the Russians are committing war crimes daily and have been doing so for some time, but the American position is weak because it supported the state of Israel when it was doing exactly the same on the Gaza Strip. That is a problem. It remains to me most extraordinary that international politicians at a senior level would seek to move forward abstract policy and the interests of their own countries at the expense of the misery of thousands upon thousands of people.

I support the Sinn Féin Senator's comments on the situation of Palestinians'. I was in a part that is rarely visited, the Jordan valley, the day after demolitions. They are referred to as houses, but they are not houses. They are pathetic, flimsy, corrugated iron structures or tents. They are the lowest of the low. They have nothing. What is appalling is that the land that is in contention is in the hands of the Christian churches which - I speak as a Christian - do absolutely nothing to safeguard the rights of Palestinians. I support the call for a debate on this highly contentious issue.

I have serious concerns about orthodontic services which are underfunded. A constituent of mine who is 16 years of age has been waiting for an operation on her teeth since she was 13. She is a young, maturing lady and her mother has serious concerns for her because this is affecting her self-confidence. It is a problem for the girl and her whole family. She has had four appointments and three operations cancelled. The service is inadequate. I call on the Minister for Health to address the House on this travesty which affects everyone who is awaiting an orthodontic appointment.

I second Senator Michael McDowell's proposal to have the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality appear before the House to discuss the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross's reported proposed interventions in what is an important matter.