Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thought the Minister made herself clear this morning when she replied on radio. The case which gave rise to the interview was the one where it appeared the Department would not underwrite the costs which were quite hefty.

Senator Ryan brought up the matter of Sinn Féin. As stated by Senator Mansergh, Sinn Féin has a democratic mandate but it cannot fulfil it until it gives an absolute commitment, both North and South, to disarm. That is what the Minister for Foreign Affairs said clearly. It is interesting what people read into one sentence rather than another. The Minister was absolutely clear. In an environment where Sinn Féin fulfils that commitment beyond any doubt, it would be eligible to sit in any parliament because it has a democratic mandate.