Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for your welcome and thank the House for the invitation to speak on Northern Ireland in what is a interesting time in its development. This is the eve of the commencement of the round table session in the North. On Friday, the British-Irish Council will meet in Scotland and next Tuesday sees the first meeting of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation for several years.