John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join Senator Brian Hayes in calling for a debate on Northern Ireland. It is timely that there should be statements on the matter. It would be remiss of the House not to highlight the attack on our democracy that occurred yesterday, when a terrorist device – a pipe bomb – was planted not 100 yards from the House. We should congratulate the Defence Forces on their professionalism in dealing with that device and send out an unequivocal statement that acts of this nature will not be tolerated in this State. To have the stories relating to this matter carried on pages seven and 13 of the national newspapers, sends a message that we are ready to tolerate being held to ransom by the Real IRA, the Provisional IRA or whoever. They are consigned to the history books, which is where they should be.