Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The Cathaoirleach might be correct about that.

Later today, the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister will set out the position concerning the current phase of the talks in Northern Ireland. I welcome the fact that both Governments intend to set out all the position papers and the full nature of the deal which was to be decided upon and agreed by all the parties. At this late stage it looks like the deal will not be done although something may happen between now and 2.30 p.m. We will have to wait to see. However, it is important that all the documentation surrounding this deal is published in full so that the people of Northern Ireland see for themselves the work which has gone on behind the scenes in recent months between both Governments and the parties.

The people of Northern Ireland deserve better. We were told there could be no agreement between the centre parties and, after the recent Assembly elections, we were told that the two parties on the extremes would do the deal. However, we have found again that our efforts are being frustrated by the intransigence of one side or the other. At this stage, we need to concentrate on the people of Northern Ireland who have put up with this stop-start mechanism for the past ten years or so. We must continue to work with the Northern Ireland parties. We must redouble our efforts and ensure that future peace and prosperity is delivered to the people of Northern Ireland who have suffered more than anyone else on this island for far too long.

Some of today's newspaper editorials have engaged in browbeating the workers at An Post. People might find this strange for a person in my position, but I believe that the An Post workers are correct in the action they are taking today.