Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Leader for facilitating the matter of Senator Higgins's resignation from the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission and the replacement by a Fine Gael Senator. I appreciate the manner in which this matter has been facilitated to allow the new member to take up his or her duties at the earliest possible time.

Many Fianna Fáil members were shocked to hear the comments made yesterday by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, on the possibility that Fianna Fáil might do a deal with the IRA after the next election.