Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Leader for ensuring all those wishing to contribute are allowed to do so.

I understand from one of the newspapers that a defect identified in the State Airports Bill 2004 requires amendment. Does the Leader have information from the erstwhile Minister for Transport on whether he intends to introduce the amendment in this House tomorrow or if he will wait to deal with the matter until the Bill returns to the Dáil in the autumn? What is the Government's intention in terms of resolving the defect outlined in yesterday's newspapers?

Yesterday was a relatively peaceful 12 July despite the very ugly and violent scenes in the Ardoyne in north Belfast last night. This relatively peaceful marching season should augur well in terms of the ongoing discussions between the Northern Ireland parties and both Governments. Perhaps during the summer, if some calmness and common sense are brought to bear, the final lap of progress in those discussions can be made. I offer the Government the full support of Members on this side of the House in the discussions. I understand efforts will be made throughout September and October to breathe some life into the faltering peace process. In the event of no progress being made — it is the unfortunate scenario we must consider — what plans has the Government put in place to deal with that new situation? The British Prime Minister stated that the Assembly cannot go on indefinitely as long as the parties do not co-operate and try to make it work. Attention must be paid to this situation over the summer. Perhaps the Leader will provide time in the first week of the new session for a briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs or the Taoiseach on the matter. This is crucial because it is now ten years since the first ceasefire and at least five or six years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. All of us in this House and in other parliaments have a responsibility to ensure that the peace process is put back on track and that all the commitments entered into by all the parties and Governments are adhered to and fully implemented in the months ahead. This is the only sustainable way forward and we must send out that message of peace from the House today.