Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

During the summer recess we will be in a position to reflect on the tenth anniversary of the 1994 IRA ceasefire. As someone who believes in the glass being half full rather than half empty, this island has been transformed over the past decade. There has been a sea change in politics on the island. We are now entering the next crucial phase in the ongoing debate on the future of Northern Ireland and the Government will be involved in discussions with the British Government and the various parties in Northern Ireland. While it is at times useful for us to remain silent, it might be appropriate, if possible, to hold a debate next week on current issues regarding the peace process. Issues have remained outstanding since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement which must be finalised. The Agreement was accepted by the overwhelming majority of the Irish people, North and South, and it might be helpful if we reiterated some of the keystones of the Agreement in the Oireachtas. It is part of the ongoing need for dialogue between all sides.

We must welcome the fact that an interim authority has been established in Iraq. While it is not perfect, it is the first time that the people of Iraq have had any small semblance of representational government. It is the first of many steps which will have to be taken and I welcome it as a move in the right direction.