Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I do not oppose the Order of Business. I would like to raise two issues with the Leader of the House. This week is vitally important to the future of this country because of the talks that will take place in Hillsborough Castle in the coming days involving the Northern parties, the two Governments and President Bush. On behalf of Fine Gael, I send our best wishes to all involved. The talks are important. I welcome the fact that the US President has come to Ireland to help the Northern parties get over the final hurdle to ensure the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. We must make a distinction between what is taking place in Iraq and what is taking place in the Northern peace process. I certainly welcome the US President's intervention at this time. If others choose not to do so, that is a matter for them.