Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I join my colleagues in seeking a debate on the strike in An Post. The Government could do more for the An Post network, given that it can intervene and provide subsidies to Irish Rail. It is a disgrace that staff have not received pay increases. I understand the British Government spends more than €300 million to guarantee the survival of rural post offices. More could be done to secure the future of the rural post office network here.

I support the calls for a debate on Northern Ireland. We are entering a crucial stage, with much work done over the years and a great deal of choreography and sequencing under way. I recall the famous statement by the British Prime Minister that the hand of history was on his shoulder. Every two-bit player now wants the hand of history to touch his or her shoulder. I am sick and tired of watching politicians going in and out of Departments and travelling to London and back. They should make a decision and do a deal because the public wants and needs one. While I appreciate what has been done behind the scenes, the game has gone on for too long. I hope for a positive outcome today because I am becoming sick and tired of all the choreography, as is the public. They should do the deal and forget about it.