Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

A debate on Northern Ireland would be helpful because it is important that we do not allow a vacuum to develop which would be filled by people and issues often associated with agendas which have nothing to do with the peace process. I agree with the speakers on both sides because this House should be central to the debate. Senator Brian Hayes referred to what happened over a 24-hour period. It worries me that we are changing modes at a very accelerated pace. We made progress in the past because we had a cross-party agreement. It is important that we can ascertain the credibility or otherwise of some of the statements now in the newspapers. I do not know the status of this deal but I accept that the status of the central deal which was made available to us by the Government and to which all of us in this House agreed was particularly important. We all agreed we should debate it.

Regarding the Seanad Éireann issue, I am a Member of this House for more than seven years. Throughout those years, I and other speakers promoted the idea of Seanad representation from Northern Ireland — not simply one or two people nominated by the Taoiseach — particularly because we realised one can be much more successful dealing with issues face to face rather than through megaphone diplomacy. Many of us disagreed with some of the proposals for Seanad reform but I heard no disagreement in this House on the proposal for representation from Northern Ireland.

I do not know who is putting the other spin on this issue but such a spin, if correct, would be hurtful. I do not believe it is correct. I support calls for an "ample" debate. A balanced debate should take place. I hope we can maintain the cohesion of purpose which we have had among all Members in public life.