Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I commend the Taoiseach and all those directly involved in the peace process. This issue is bigger than all of us and, hence, I commend all those involved, right back to the Hume-Adams talks, such as Mr. Albert Reynolds and Fr. Alec Reid. Does the Taoiseach agree that we all owe a huge debt to these people?

Does the Taoiseach share my concern about recent sectarian attacks? I also raise the question of loyalist guns. What plans have the two Governments on this major issue which directly affects the Northern minority? With regard to loyalist guns and Ulster Resistance, has the Taoiseach asked Dr. Paisley or Mr. Peter Robinson about the importation of loyalist guns which were subsequently used for sectarian attacks? Does he accept the Northern minority is fed up with many speakers in this House who constantly ignore their plight, particularly in recent weeks?

When the Minister for Foreign Affairs met the Vice President of Colombia, did he raise the issue of human rights abuses in that country? Did he meet the Coca Cola workers whose colleagues were slaughtered on the front line in their factories? Did he meet human rights representatives and lawyers whose families were butchered by right-wing death squads, backed by the military government in Colombia? Did he raise these human rights issues? There are two sides to that conflict. We must hear both sides if we are to try to assist and develop the peace process there.

Must we all hang around while the DUP makes up its mind? Does the Taoiseach accept that many of us are getting sick to the teeth of the DUP's constant undermining of General de Chastelain and others such as Fr. Alec Reid? When does he foresee real dialogue and the institutions up and running?

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