Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I welcome the Taoiseach. We are honoured. The House appreciates his visit. A month ago the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, visited the House when we had an excellent debate on Northern Ireland.

It is good that the two Governments have tried to fill the vacuum and that despite the suspension they continue to work together. The publicity given to the various meetings that have been held, the continuation of activity, North and South, and the continuation of interest from London have given the message that there is not an impasse. The Good Friday Agreement, as the Taoiseach said, remains intact. The effort now is to see that the hopes and dreams that dawned on that day come to fruition.

When we think of the 3,000 people who have died, the maimings, the bitterness and the loss of trust and confidence, we realise how daunting it is for those with responsibility for the various bodies to ensure the continuation of trust and confidence. Three times the Taoiseach gave voice to the need to rebuild that sense of trust and confidence. These two qualities are needed in abundance if we are to pick up the threads and chart the way forward. The Taoiseach has been clear in what he has said. It is amazing how the issues leap out at us, particularly the issue of trust and confidence.

It is also evident that there have been changes over the four years. Some have been greater than others. At times it has been a step forwards and at others a step sideways, but the welcome changes have been incremental in nature. There is a determination now to clear the decks and address the outstanding issues. I hope it will come to fruition.