Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I support Senator Brian Hayes's request for a debate on law and order in Northern Ireland, which is now clearly the central problem for the peace process. There is no point in attempting to park it somewhere else. The parties must get together and deal with the matter. I do not want to minimise any of the current problems, but any transition from violence to democratic politics will be bumpy. Most historical precedents have resulted in civil war. However, we need to discuss this matter. At its core is the acceptance of decent arrangements for policing, which should take the vigilantes out of the equation.

Senator Tuffy referred to the appalling accident in Dublin city centre. I do not want to add to the sorrow of the relatives, but one thing did strike me which the Leader might pass on to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Perhaps he could explain the report that the drivers could not be interviewed by the Garda until they had been given permission by counsellors employed by the bus company. I can imagine that people may be too traumatised to be interviewed, but the decision on whether the police have access to witnesses should not be made by people employed by an organisation which may be in line for criticism.