Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes raised the issue of the talks in Northern Ireland and expressed the hope that they will achieve success. The statement intended to be released on Thursday of next week would represent the final implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, which was supported in a democratic vote by people in both the North and the South. One way or another, it is hoped to have a debate on the issue in the House next week.

Senator Hayes also asked for a debate on the nomination by the Government of Emily O'Reilly for the position of Ombudsman. I understand that is to be debated in the Dáil this week and in this House next week. Some 40 minutes is to be allocated to that debate in the Dáil, and I will propose that we do the same.

Senator O'Toole talked about how the visit of President Bush to Ireland was being manipulated, sentiments that, I am sure, would find an echo among many people. However, at the same time, the Senator was quite clear that the war in Iraq and the peace process are separate issues and should be treated as such.

Regarding the national monuments legislation, I never knew that the presbytery in Dingle was built as a refuge for Marie Antoinette. Senator O'Toole argues that Dúchas should intervene to purchase the building because it is in danger of being sold. I will certainly raise this matter as it seems most interesting.

Senator Tuffy argued that the Taoiseach should dissociate himself from the war taking place in Iraq. She also talked about the all-party committee on the Constitution and said it had material ready on the property issue.

Senator Dardis talked about disentangling the peace process from the war in Iraq in that they were two separate issues and said we should review the matter next week. I do not know to which document Senator Bannon was referring in regard to the Department of Defence.