Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important issue.

The latest claim of responsibility by so-called dissident republicans for the murder of a man found in north Belfast yesterday is a dark reminder of the grave threats that unfortunately still hang over Northern Ireland. I am very loath to use the description "dissidents" to identify the criminals involved or to debase the term "republican" by associating it with them. Yesterday's grim discovery was sharp proof of the brutal criminality by a small number who continue to stalk Northern Ireland. Similarly, the brutal murder in Derry today is another source of serious concern, and I note comments attributed to the SDLP Assembly Member, Pat Ramsey, onThe Irish Timeswebsite which read as follows: "there is no doubt whatsoever that dissidents were involved".

These murders come at a critical juncture in the peace process. The arrival of Ambassador Haass and Dr. Megan O'Sullivan represents a real opportunity to give the process a badly needed shot in the arm and, indeed, a new impetus. The politics of division embraced by Sinn Féin and the DUP has crippled necessary further progress on that valuable peace process. They both appear to be content with playing to their respective galleries for partisan gain. That is not the leadership which would be expected from an executive. This atmosphere of mutual stagnation is a fertile breeding ground for dissident activity and the kind of loyalist thuggery we saw during the flag protests.

In a fragile society like Northern Ireland, if the institutions fail to bring about real benefits on the bread and butter issues of politics, it inevitably creates a climate for violence by a small number in some communities. The simmering threat by violent groups that occasionally flares up, as we saw yesterday, is a major concern and must be addressed by the Northern Ireland Executive supported by the Irish and British Governments. The crippling impact loyalist groups had on Belfast city centre at the end of last year and in the early months of this year and the devastating impact it had on the local economy is a testament to the unfinished business of the peace process.

It goes without saying that progress achieved in the Good Friday Agreement and, indeed, in the St. Andrews Agreement has been of enormous benefit to us all on this island. As we know, the Republic of Ireland is a key stakeholder in that process. In its submission to the Haass panel, Fianna Fáil affirmed the need to ensure the Republic, in co-operation with Britain, continues to act as guarantor for the process and continues to assist in driving it on. The brutal murder discovered yesterday should spur on the important work with which we are charged. The Government simply cannot afford to neglect Northern Ireland nor can the British Government.

The Government should take action to deal with a number of specific issues. One is to ensure the ongoing co-operation of the Garda and PSNI. That is a working relationship we have all seen improve dramatically over the past decade. The resource restraints being placed on the Garda should not interfere with its vital work in tackling the terrorist threat in Northern Ireland. The second is supporting the Haass panel and encouraging it not to go short simply for the sake of a deal. This is a chance to confront the unfinished business of the peace process. It is an opportunity to move Northern Ireland further along that path and to realise that the peace process is about more than just the absence of violence. However, that is not to underestimate in any way the importance of ridding our society of that violence.

The Government has to step up to its historic responsibilities, and the current juncture is a real chance to do so. Yesterday's discovery should act as a further motivation to rise to these challenges.

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