Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We agree with the Order of Business. I thank the Leader for agreeing to hold a debate on Northern Ireland and I welcome the fact that the Minister will make a statement to the House.

In light of the aftermath of last Thursday's "Prime Time" programme on child sexual abuse, I am sure the Government will take the view that a full inquiry will be required to investigate all the matters which are coming to public attention. A time of reflection is required to ensure we get this inquiry right, that it is fully comprehensive and deals not just with the dioceses of Ferns and Dublin but with all allegations in connection with all Irish dioceses which have made within a specified timeframe. Does the Leader agree that a debate on this issue is necessary in the weeks before the Government decides the terms of reference of the inquiry? I ask this in order to be helpful. We all agree that the enormity of the issue for the Roman Catholic Church and for the State demands that it be addressed in a constructive, open-minded and transparent manner. We will do the country a service by holding the debate in the weeks before the inquiry is announced.