Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions to the debate on this Bill. I acknowledge the broad support that has been expressed for the Bill and the objectives of the Independent Reporting Commission. I also acknowledge the traditional cross-party support of this House for measures that have been brought forward over the years in support of the process of seeking peace and the ongoing process of reconciliation in Northern Ireland building on the many initiatives and the achievements of all Governments throughout the decades of the Troubles and since then. I am very pleased to see the cross-party approach being maintained here this evening. I acknowledge the contribution of Deputy Breathnach, the support of his party and the interest the Deputy has shown in this issue over a long number of years. I acknowledge that he represents the constituency of Louth along a Border area so it comes as no surprise that he has a deep interest in matters pertaining to Northern Ireland. I acknowledge the contribution of Deputy Nolan. I do not suppose it is premature of me to say that we are now constituency colleagues in a way that happened suddenly and without notice. I look forward to working with Deputy Nolan as both of us strive to represent the enlarged constituency of Laois-Offaly, which I had the pleasure of representing for a long number of years. I did not expect that I would have the opportunity to represent it again so soon. No doubt, Deputy Nolan and I will meet outside the House in a way we have not done to date, representing as we do different constituencies. I acknowledge the comments of Deputy Martin Kenny, who, again, is a new Deputy representing the important Border constituency of Sligo-Leitrim. He also brings a wealth of experience to the House in terms of day-to-day life in Border areas. There are many issues we have in common in terms of the economic and social well-being of people in Border areas.

I regret that the talks of recent weeks have not produced the restoration of the Executive and a working assembly, as we would have hoped. I note that the talks have been paused for a few weeks but I encourage all parties involved to go that extra mile in pursuance of what were the objectives of the people of Northern Ireland when they voted as far back as 2 March 2017. They voted for an assembly and an Executive. They voted to not only elect their politicians but to have these politicians work for them at Executive and assembly level. I know there are parties here that could be in a position to exercise a greater degree of influence on the talks and on others and I appeal to them to ensure that the Executive can be re-established and the assembly restored at the earliest opportunity, not least because of the economic and social well-being of the people of Northern Ireland, but also because of the urgency and importance of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. I am sure we will have an opportunity to resume debate on these important issues.

Deputy Breathnach made reference to the security assessment of the status of the Provisional IRA. The assessments relate to security issues and not to any political conclusions that might be drawn from them from time to time but it is important that those who have been committed to democratic principles all our lives make one thing clear. This is that the legacy of the Provisional IRA is appalling and those with whom it was inextricably linked cannot shirk their responsibilities with regard to it. Neither is it acceptable on any part of this island for anyone for whatever reasons to seek to retain the substance or indeed the shadow of a gunman in any respect. These assessments raise deeply troubling issues about the legacy of paramilitarism and I know that this important legislation will go some way towards ensuring that the objectives of the Independent Reporting Commission are realised.

I also stress that the Bill gives full effect to underlining the strong importance we all attach to the continued positive developments in politics, society and across the economy of Northern Ireland which, of course, is of great benefit to the people of this island but particularly to communities along the Border area that have been blighted and suffered economic disadvantage. I acknowledge the superior experience and first-hand knowledge of Deputies like Deputies Breathnach and Martin Kenny, whose constituencies are in close proximity to Northern Ireland.

I thank Members for their contributions. In commending the Bill to the House, I refer to the fact that it was my wish, which I know is shared, that we would complete this legislation in its entirety prior to the summer recess. I wish to inform the House that there is all-party agreement in that endeavour and I hope we might be in a position to complete Committee and Remaining Stages during a short period next week, subject to the Business Committee and having regard to the fact that we have had a discussion on the Bill by interested parties on Second Stage, because we are dealing with an international treaty. I do not expect, and I am sure Members of the House can confirm, that we will not have amendments but this is not an issue we can decide now. However, I wish to flag it. I hope the Business Committee will be in a position to table Committee and Remaining Stages in the Chamber for a short period next week. I acknowledge there is cross-party support and agreement to facilitate the passage of this legislation in its entirety prior to the summer recess.

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