SEANAD:GERMANY WAS systematically assisting in the destruction of a Semitic race in the Middle East, David Norris (Ind) said. Calling for a debate on the situation in the troubled region, he said he wished to salute Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore for addressing the issue.

Mr Gilmore was the first political figure to state that consideration must be given to a boycott of goods from illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine unless human-rights protocols attached to the Euromed agreement were properly observed. The Minister had further said that he would consider it appropriate for Ireland to use its influence during its EU presidency to advance this issue.

“This is being stalled by Germany because of their bad conscience. Having destroyed one Semitic race in Europe they are now setting about the systematic assistance in the destruction of another Semitic race in the Middle East,” added Mr Norris.

Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte should have been liable for the payment of €100,000 to a former detective sergeant who he had defamed several years ago, Terry Leyden (FF) said. He called for a debate on the alleged payment of the money by RTÉ in settlement of a defamation action.

Cathaoirleach Paddy Burke said this was a private matter.

David Norris said: “May I point out that, in legal terms, there was a settlement without admission of liability on the part of RTÉ.”

Mr Leyden said the case had been settled, “lo and behold”, the day the Minister had met the RTÉ board – on another matter – and the board had not been abolished.

“There is a whitewash in this regard. Deputy Rabbitte has been whitewashed. He should have been liable for the €100,000. He libelled the garda in question. It was not RTÉ.”

There was a need for a new charter of rights to be circulated to all farmers in the country, Lorraine Higgins (Lab) said. Many farmers feared they could lose their entitlements because of illegal inspections by Department of Agriculture personnel. The farmers of east Galway dreaded to hear of departmental inspections.