Shane Ross (Independent)

I wish to address one or two of the issues that have been raised. As Senator O'Rourke correctly stated, the contribution of those Members from Northern Ireland who have served in the House has been tremendous in terms of helping us to accept what is the great challenge in Irish life and politics at present. I do not wish to name any of them in particular. It is perfectly acceptable and welcome that the Taoiseach should continue to nominate people from Northern Ireland to serve in this House. If necessary, he should appoint as many as four Members from that part of the island. There would be dangers in enshrining this in the Constitution and I fail to see the benefits of doing so.

As Senator O'Rourke stated, Senator Maurice Hayes plays a leading and authoritative role in bringing us some knowledge of Northern Ireland. Mr. Haughey started the very successful experiment of nominating people from Northern Ireland to this House and what he did has been continued by nearly all of his successors. I see no reason for changing the current method of nomination because it has worked extraordinarily well.

The Northern Ireland issue has tended to be above and different from the normal cut and thrust of politics in this country. Successive taoisigh have regarded and treated it as such. Their nominees to the Seanad have reflected that and I am happy with the current position.