Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this very important debate on recent developments in Northern Ireland. I welcome the debate on the agreement between the parties in the North. While there will be problems and difficulties along the way, it is important to sit back and calmly examine where we all came from. It hit me last Monday night when I arrived at the 3Arena for the U2 gig. The first people I met when I walked in the door were Margaret Irwin and other members of Justice for the Forgotten, the families of the victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, who were guests of U2. The theme of the event was peace, justice, truth and reconciliation. It is a reminder to us all in today’s debate that in order to move on, build a new Ireland and a new, inclusive and democratic society, we must do business with our political enemies and hammer out agreements that most people can live with. This is where we are.

I have concerns about welfare issues and the health, education and other services for people with disabilities. The Tory Government holds the purse in the North, and this is where people should direct their anger. I am very interested in the concept of a so-called fresh start and implementing aspects of the Stormont House Agreement. I commend Peter Robinson and, unlike some of my point-scoring colleagues, I also mention the fantastic work Martin McGuinness did. People who play politics with the peace process are not going anywhere. If people risk their lives and take major political decisions, we have a duty to support them. I would love to have a single corporation tax rate for the island and I welcome the tax harmonisation. I hope the companies pay the 12.5%.

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