Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Section 55(2) provides that the disclosure of information referred to in subsectioin (1) has a harmful effect in a number of circumstances, including those set out in paragraph (k), which states:

[if it] affects adversely the relations of the Government with any political party, group or institutions in Northern Ireland or the Government's ability to promote agreement, advance the peace process or engage in negotiations with regard to Northern Ireland.

It is proposed to remove that paragraph completely. It is vague in intent. What does the concept of the peace process mean in any event? When I hear some people, in parties not represented in this House, claiming they spent 30 years struggling for peace, my stomach turns. Former Deputy John Bruton got into trouble——