Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I congratulate the Cathaoirleach very sincerely on her ascension to the Chair of this great committee. I worked with her in the Seanad for many years and I know the good work she does for the people of her constituency and, indeed, the diaspora all over the world. I am delighted to see her in this role.

I welcome the fact that the Government has established this committee. It is an important committee and I am looking forward enthusiastically to the years ahead. I assume we will have an opportunity to put together a work programme. In my experience of being a Member of the Seanad for a number of years and of being a member of a number of committees, we set our own agenda. I do not think we should be curtailed by what terms of reference may or may not say. Without going into a long spiel about what I would like to achieve, we as a committee should grasp enthusiastically the fact the committee is in existence. We should set our own agenda and pursue that agenda. If some people tell us we cannot pursue certain areas, then we should question why. I believe the main emphasis of this committee should be on our Defence Forces but also on security. As Senators Craughwell and Clonan and Deputies Smith and Stanley have already pointed out, there are two Departments within our State that deal with our security. The first is the Department of Justice and the second is the Department of Defence. I believe the committee on justice should be called the committee on justice and security and that this committee is aptly named as defence and security.

We should pursue both of those roles with enthusiasm, go after what we believe we should be doing and let someone tell us we should not be doing it and explain why. That is the way I would do it. I am delighted to be joined by my colleagues, Deputies Brabazon and O'Meara, and I look forward to the work programme we will set for the next 12 months. We may have a different attitude in 12 months' time towards these situations. I am delighted to be joined by everybody else by the way and am looking forward enthusiastically to the work of this committee. Let us set our agenda and let someone tell us we cannot do something if we want to pursue it.