John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join previous speakers in congratulating the Taoiseach, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and their officials who represented the Oireachtas and the Irish people in the recent negotiations. While it is very easy for those of us who are not involved to be critical, the time has come for us to offer them our congratulations on bringing us so far. I join Senator O'Toole in congratulating the British Prime Minister and the Taoiseach on yesterday's press conference. It was a step in the right direction in terms of how business should be done.

I am very conscious of the need to avoid recriminations and of the words of Senator Maurice Hayes, to whom I listened very carefully because of his experience in this context. However, while there is a lull in the process, there is a need for everyone to reflect. In reflecting, it should be considered that no one has a monopoly on humiliation. While neither side in Northern Ireland deserves to be humiliated, nor do the Irish Government, the State, law-abiding citizens, gardaí or Ann McCabe. We must reflect on that to move the process forward constructively while respecting diverse opinions on all sides. I would welcome a debate on Northern Ireland and join previous speakers in the hope that time will be provided for one next week.