John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes regarding a debate on Northern Ireland. Last week, I would have said we should not have a debate given the sensitivity of the issues involved and that we hoped there would be progress. Hopefully this will continue and there will be a full and final settlement in the next few days. However, we should have a debate in the context of clarity about a settlement being achieved or rejected. If the talks were to continue for another week, as they may, it might be more prudent to await clarity on the matter. The net question is whether Sinn Féin is prepared to accept democracy, put away its arms, eliminate paramilitarism, intimidation and punishment beatings and fully embrace the democratic mandate.

I agree with Senator O'Toole that the OECD report on education is worthy of debate. It is a matter of somewhat considerable satisfaction that standards in our secondary schools, in particular, are so high by international comparison. Credit is due in that regard to the teachers and all others involved. It confirms Ireland's reputation in terms of its educational system, a reputation which has contributed in no small way to the inward investment which has been so successful in driving forward the economy.