John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with Senators Hayes and O'Toole that it would be appropriate to debate the issue of racism and our attitudes to those who come here to work or seek refuge. The House could usefully confirm that some of the recent myths regarding how some of the people concerned are dealt with are myths. There was a degree of xenophobia in some circles when the Nice treaty was being debated and we could usefully put some of the statements made then to bed. The House would be unified in that regard.

There were calls prior to the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive for a debate on Northern Ireland. I was among several Senators who were of the view that the sensitivities of the time meant we should delay the debate. Now there is an interregnum and it would be appropriate for us to debate the issue, particularly as the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation is about to reconvene. I welcome this development as the forum did a useful job and would be beneficial again. In the context of its upcoming meeting, it would be useful for us to have a debate on Northern Ireland again as the House has a good record of debating the issue in a detached and compassionate way.