Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We agree with the Order of Business as proposed by the Leader. Will the Leader arrange a debate in this House following the results of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections last week? I believe I speak for many people in this country in saying the results are depressing, because those who have tried to wreck the Good Friday Agreement since 1998 are now in the ascendancy and those who have attempted to use the agreement for their own party political gain are also in the ascendancy in the other community. We have to reflect on these matters. I ask the Leader to organise a debate and to arrange for either the Minister for Foreign Affairs or the Taoiseach to come to the House. In the current situation Dr. Paisley is entitled to become the First Minister in Northern Ireland and I do not believe he is fit to hold that office. I do not believe he or his party have been a source of good in Northern Ireland politics. In one way or another, both Governments have to confront that situation collectively, with the support of both Parliaments in both jurisdictions.

While there has been criticism of our Government's position, particularly on its decision to exclude the SDLP at a critical stage in the negotiations, it is now ultimately a matter for the people of Northern Ireland to live with the consequences if they select parties which have such a rejectionist tone and are intent on not healing the divide which is evident in Northern Ireland. Governments in Dublin and London can only do so much. Any decision by the Government to advance the process and promote some initiative at this stage will be supported by this side of the House.

As the Cathaoirleach will be aware, I wrote to him this morning requesting him to consider convening a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to consider how, by discussion and agreement, we can proceed with the appointment of the three Members of this House to serve on the new Oireachtas Commission. I ask him to consider that request in the bipartisan, co-operative way in which it has been put. It would be useful to discuss how we can advance this issue and come to agreement on all sides.