AIB sale and Jadotville debate
Senator Wilson supported a debate on the AIB sale and also backed the Jadotville medals motion, saying the Minister of State should clarify his intentions. He noted the issue had been on the Order Paper for months and deserved a full debate.
I join other colleagues, including my party leader in the House, Senator Ardagh, in supporting the call for the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, to come to the House today to discuss the impending sale of 25% of AIB. It is important that whatever money is raised from the sale is put back into the infrastructure of this country and not sent to the bankers of Europe.
I also support the amendment proposed by Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn on Jadotville. I have no reason to doubt what he said but if it is correct it is disturbing. The motion calling for recognition for the survivors of the Jadotville massacre was signed by almost everyone in this House bar the Government Members. Medals should be presented to the survivors. The situation is disturbing. I have no doubt the Leader has been attempting to facilitate a meeting with the Minister of State that was referred to by Senator Mac Lochlainn-----
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-----but we had the Minister of State in the House last week and we had a very good debate with him. However, he never mentioned the motion which I believe has been on the Order Paper for approximately six months. I understand it was intended to take it without debate but, first, it should be put on the Order Paper as it stands and it should be debated. Two hours should be allocated for such a debate. The Minister of State with responsibility for Defence should come to the House and clarify his intentions in relation to the medals.