Some time ago, I spoke, and the Leader herself spoke, on the appointment of the next head of intelligence for the State and it surprises me that they are continuing with the appointment. Former colleagues from the UK have contacted me and they cannot believe that we would even consider the appointment of a foreign national. By the way, those who came in here and accused me of racism, etc., because I objected to a foreign national taking the most senior intelligence post in the country have yet to apologise. It was an outrageous allegation to make against me. The bottom line on it is-----

On a point of order, is Senator Craughwell saying that foreign nationals were objecting to a foreign national?

One cannot interrupt a Senator unless the Senator gives one permission. Is Senator Craughwell giving way to Senator Gavan?

There is no need to give way.

That is fine. Senator Craughwell, without interruption.

The bottom line on it is we really have to think about what we are doing. The person who will take over intelligence in this country will have access to information on all of us, on past deeds in this country and on those who were involved in various different things down through the history of this country. Micheál Martin, in the Dáil the other day, said that the person appointed would be appointed under normal appointment conditions and would have to take an oath to the State, etc. For God's sake, I ask the Government Senators to talk to their parties. One cannot have a foreign national heading up the Irish intelligence service. Would the British take a Frenchman to head up MI5? Would the Americans take an Englishman to head up the CIA? It would not happen. I ask that the Leader organise a debate on security in this House in order that we can get to the core of it.