Brendan Ryan (Labour)

On a serious note, there is widespread coverage in this morning's newspapers of a leaked document – apparently an internal Government briefing on the Northern Ireland situation. Without going into detail, it apparently says, among other things, that the IRA is still recruiting new members in Northern Ireland. I do not wish to make an unrealistic demand for a debate on this as I know the House is adjourning for Christmas. However, it would be good if the Leader was to convey to the Government my concern – I am sure it is shared by all Members – at the idea that a political party that is represented in these Houses still has links with a paramilitary organisation which, far from becoming dormant, is involved in active recruitment. If that is the Government's understanding of what is happening in Northern Ireland, the situation is a good deal more serious than any of us thought. I ask the Leader to convey our concerns to the Government and ask for clarification.

It is more than 21 years since I was first elected to the Seanad and this is probably one of the few occasions on which I have been present for the last sitting before Christmas. I tended to abscond from the House a good deal earlier than most Members.