Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the panel for their contributions. We would all agree that significant progress has been made and that should be celebrated. Dr. Neil Jarman made some challenging remarks in his opening comments about policies that were being formulated prior to 15 years ago on anti-poverty, matters related to the ageing population and other areas that have not been progressed, and that civil society feels marginalised. I would have thought those were the issues that would unite communities and that should be discussed by civil forums and civil society. It seems the Assembly is embroiled in issues that divide communities and, naturally, those matters are highlighted more than issues that would unite society.

Dr. Jarman mentioned in terms of the Agreement that there was no focus or policy in regard to future paramilitaries because it was considered they would fade away but, as we know, they have not. Is a security response the only one that can be given in regard to the paramilitaries? Is there any other way this problem can be addressed?

On sectarianism and the question Deputy Ó Ríordáin raised, some people believe the issue of sectarianism is not being addressed. Is there a political dividend for some parties to let things be as they are? We should concentrate on the many positive developments that have been achieved during the past 15 years but not forget the many issues that have been highlighted by Dr. Neil Jarman, in particular, and that will have to be addressed in the future.