Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I join other Senators who yesterday called for a debate on Northern Ireland at some stage over the next week or so. The two Governments have clearly taken a joint position in trying to persuade the pro-Agreement parties to move forward in order that the remaining parts of the Agreement can be implemented. A seismic shift is required on the part of one of the parties, in particular, to ensure it can go back into government with the other parties. It would be useful if the Leader could organise a debate in the latter part of next week with the Minister for Foreign Affairs. We have three weeks in which to get this matter right. It is possibly the last chance to move on all the outstanding issues before the deadline for possible Assembly elections in May.

There is unity of purpose on all sides of the House in seeking to ensure the issue is advanced and that the Government has our support in the matter. However, the House should express a view on the issue in advance of a final decision being taken by the parties in Northern Ireland. Three weeks is a short period. Many views could be expressed on all sides of the House that would help both Governments in finally resolving the matter.

I support last week's call for a debate on competition policy by Senator O'Toole, who referred to the number of inspectors in the Competition Authority. There is a role for the Competition Authority and the Director of Consumer Affairs in investigating the massive price hikes that have taken place. Considerable powers are delegated to these outside authorities and we must ensure they have the resources to do their jobs and bring prosecutions where evidence of price fixing is available. I would welcome a debate on this issue.