Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Institutional reform was very much on the agenda in the context of the talks, albeit one that did not directly involve the Government. I do not see an immediate appetite to change the structure as set up by the d'Hondt mechanism, the aim of which was to ensure a large degree of power sharing. I do not think the time is right for such a change. However, there is a provision for members to engage in voluntary opposition at any stage, should they wish.

However, I do not envisage a change to the d'Hondt system. I believe there are strong arguments in favour of its retention into the future.

On the matter of commemorations, members will be aware of the official launch by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Heather Humphreys, earlier this week. It is an opportunity for everybody on the island to engage and mark the commemoration of the historic events of 1916. There will be an international element. Many of the events are currently being developed and rolled out. I urge everybody to avail of the opportunity to reflect not only on the events of 1916 but also on the 100 years that have elapsed, including the historic Good Friday Agreement 18 years ago. Again, there will be an opportunity to mark that agreement and I hope this committee will be involved. I share Senator Jim D'Arcy's view about the manner of commemoration and the need for us to be sensitive, notwithstanding the need to reflect on the Rising and how it occurred.

Senator Jim D'Arcy also mentioned the matter of devolution. Obviously the passage of the legislation in Westminster to enable the devolution of power to set the rate of corporation tax is important. That will bring great benefits and has the capacity to transform for the good the economic climate in Northern Ireland. That is very welcome.

On the matter of smuggling, I do not wish to go back over issues already discussed by Deputy Smith but I agree with what Senator Jim D'Arcy said. It is absolutely essential that co-operation continues to develop in the manner in which it has over recent years. The two Ministers with responsibility for justice meet on a regular basis. Both of them attended the cross-Border crime conference last October. From my ongoing engagements with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, and the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, Mr. Ford, the committee can be assured that every effort will be made to deal with this issue, notwithstanding the resource issue mentioned by Senator Jim D'Arcy.