Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Notwithstanding the events of the past 24 hours, it is inevitable that repeated calls would be made for a debate on Northern Ireland but similar calls were made yesterday on the Order of Business and the Leader responded positively. I endorse the comments that have been made. Members who disgracefully accused the Taoiseach of not being trusted in recent weeks might reflect on the events of the past 24 hours because trust was central to all that took place. The underlying reason for the remarkable relationship between Britain and Ireland, exemplified by Senator Ó Murchú's remarks, was the establishment of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body in the early 1990s when, for the first time since partition, British and Irish politicians broke down the walls of prejudice, indifference and ignorance to the point where there is now a harmonious relationship between both countries. Hopefully, the last piece of the jigsaw will be fitted into place in 2005.

In light of the reply of the Minister to the matter of UN reform which I raised on the Adjournment last night, will the Leader consider a debate on the reform proposals by the panel of experts because of the importance of the UN in Ireland's foreign policy, in which we place great store? I do not wish to engage in oratorical flourishes or disagreements with Senator Norris but, notwithstanding his justifiable remarks about human rights, we should continue to raise the outrageous murders of Irish citizens such as Margaret Hassan and Kenneth Bigley. Is it not amazing how quickly they are forgotten?