Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

-----the broadband issue.

We have made good responses to some of the representations on Lough Foyle. Heads should not be nodded in the negative because my officials have worked extremely hard on the ferry service. It has been very effective. The issue is how we manage this and all work together to realise the potential which is there.

Senator Boyle identified the need for a stronger role for the Senate in Northern Ireland and the Bill of Rights issue, which is important and we look forward to a consultation paper on that. Senator Alex White referred to the inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane. We are pursuing it with the British Government. It is important and a variety of inquiries have taken place so far which, to be fair to all concerned, have been extensive and comprehensive. The Eames-Bradley initiative raises the broader question of how we deal collectively with issues from the past, which will not be easy and poses significant challenges.

I referred to the issue raised by Senator Doherty. I take his comments on the issue of parades. I accept it is ultimately about dialogue on the ground. A number of parades continue to cause difficulty and have the potential to cause further difficulties. Each summer I receive a report on all the parades from our people who attend them across the North to get a sense of the progress which has been made over the years. I pay tribute to all those who steward the parades in various locations, including members of Senator Doherty's party, other community bodies and civic society, who have worked hard to try to lower the temperature and prevent violence. I take the Senator's point that continuing efforts between the Orange Order, the community and all involved are needed to reduce the potential threat. I also note his wider comments on parades, that is, he respects the right of people to parade but that there is a context in terms of how it is done.

I have covered everything at this stage. Senator Bradford-----