Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We agree with the Order of Business today. It is important that as many voices as possible are heard on the major issue of Seanad reform. If this House can do one thing over the course of the four or five years that we have the privilege of serving as Members it is to commit to the process of Seanad reform. This is a cross-party matter. I commit myself and my party commits itself to the process.

Later today the Taoiseach and the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, will meet the political leadership of the DUP. It is a significant meeting and an historic one because it is the first time the DUP has met any Government Ministers in Dublin to discuss political matters in Northern Ireland and the ongoing peace process. It is incumbent on all of us to wish those involved in the meeting well today.

I join with Senators Ormonde and Maurice Hayes who asked yesterday for a debate on Northern Ireland at some stage over the next two weeks. The public needs to know what is happening. While we have confidence in our political leaders and in both Governments to work through all the remaining difficulties with the parties, the House would benefit from statements on Northern Ireland, particularly in light of today's meeting.

I welcome that meeting and congratulate those behind the initiative to set it up. Nothing is more important to the people of this country, North and South, and on these islands than to resolve the outstanding difficulties in the peace process and to remove the barriers to making the restoration of the institutions and the executive in Northern Ireland a reality. I wish those involved in the talks today well.