Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I referred to its views on regional peace in the Gulf states and that region and to its appointment to the human rights seat at the United Nations, which Ireland currently occupies. The Deputy might well laugh, but that is the forum for dealing with issues where human rights are concerned. The question of human rights in the general region was raised in those discussions. I have to say directly to the Deputy that Irish business people from 87 Irish companies, who want to do business in Saudi Arabia and in the Gulf states, were there because they believe they can create jobs here and in those areas. I make no apology for assisting them in their efforts to further job creation and grow our economy through what they do here.

It was quite a nostalgic and emotional moment for many when I had the opportunity to visit the Messines Ridge and the peace tower. This memorial was put together by Paddy Harte and Glen Barr many years ago. I visited many locations and scenes associated with what took place between 1914 and 1918. I saw the place where the German troops sang "Silent Night" and were responded to by the Allies. The local primary school choir sang "Silent Night" in the same spot while I was there. I saw many headstones with Irish names and I visited the Menin Gate, which commemorates over 50,000 soldiers, including three brothers from Dublin, who went missing in action and whose resting places were never found. I think this made an impact on me and on the British Prime Minister. I went to see the solitary grave of Willie Redmond, who was an MP for 32 years. He made the point, with regard to the 36th and 10th divisions, that we should think about the kind of country we could have if the joint spirit shown by Protestants and Catholics in fighting in the war could be united in the country.

We still talk about that issue, even arising from the recent Haass talks, and I believe the Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, was struck by the impact of it. Visiting the peace tower, I was certainly struck by the symbolism of the instructions given by an Irish Army officer in respect of the protocol for the laying of wreaths and what was to be done. The Prime Minister subsequently visited a number of graves where members of his family, back along the line, are laid to rest.
In the context of the obscenity that was the First World War, it is important that people understand the implications of the book, The Sleepwalkers, which addressed the decisions taken by European countries subsequent to 1918 that led, if one likes, to the circumstances that erupted in the 1930s and resulted in the Second World War. This is clearly the reason we have the European Union. Irrespective of the arguments or discussions we may have, a European Union is needed for these reasons and in order that we never again witness the slaughter of 60 million people. If members have not visited Flanders, it is worth making a personal journey to see the names of young Irish people on the headstones, soldiers of the Great War who were lost in battle. They are not only just statistics but feature the names and addresses of people from Deputy Higgins's county, my county and every other county. I spoke to teachers who have brought students to Flanders over the years. This was my first visit and it made a powerful impact. It is a reason for engaging in discussion and negotiation on many matters.
In respect of the Moriarty tribunal, the reason provision is made for costs is that the sole member has indicated he expects the costs to be finalised very quickly. I have outlined for Deputy Higgins the different methods for assessing costs. I hope the matter will be finalised by the sole member as quickly as possible.