Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I was struck by the contribution of Deputy Timmins, who has experience in the peacekeeping forces. This is a very good idea. Rather than continually wringing our hands in desperation at the ongoing stasis in the Middle East, we must look for steps forward.

Deputy Timmins mentioned Glencree. On Friday of this week, the Glencree peace award will be made. People who have been at war with each other come together in the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. One finds people there who were once avowed enemies and willing to kill each other north of the Border. One meets people there who have come through the South African experience. Deputy Timmins has put his finger on something we should look at.

We have an opportunity to put down markers in this area. We have had an experience and we understand the process through which we have come. Our hands are clean. We do not have a colonial past and we did not play any part in the so-called settlements in the Middle East which led to the current problem. Of course, Israel does not always look fondly on our inputs in that area. Nevertheless, Deputy Timmins's point is well made. Perhaps it could be discussed in an Oireachtas committee. The issue is not controversial and it might have broad political support in both Houses. I look forward to talking to the Deputy about it and I would carry any suggestions that come out of a cross-party agreement in the Oireachtas to European forums. Deputy Timmins is right. Ireland has a role to play and it would be a welcome one.

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