Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We agree to the Order of Business as proposed. If ever one wanted to know what Armageddon will be like, all one would need to do is travel through the traffic in Dublin this morning. I apologise for being slightly late.

Despite the setback in the Northern talks yesterday, much was achieved and a great deal has been achieved in recent weeks, particularly in terms of the new agreement that appears to be close to conclusion between the Sinn Féin Party and the Ulster Unionist Party. Both Governments deserve our praise for their efforts in the past few weeks. I am seeking a debate on Northern Ireland, not immediately but at some stage in the coming weeks, in order that these matters can be teased out in greater detail. One thing is clear, namely, that the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic look to the Good Friday Agreement and the full implementation thereof to bring about peace and reconciliation between green and orange in this country. We thought we were close to achieving that yesterday. We can come closer to it in the coming days to ensure public confidence in the process is restored within Northern Ireland and throughout this island and that all those party to the Agreement do their best to ensure success and the agreement is bedded down. I wish the parties well. At this time I encourage all Members of the Oireachtas to temper their remarks in view of the ongoing discussions that need to take place. In that regard, I wish the Governments well.