Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I salute Members for the remarkable degree of unanimity which exists among all in the House. This is a matter which touches everybody engaged in the business of politics and it is remarkable we have such similar views. We rightly salute the achievements made to date, such as the ending of paramilitary and illegal activity and the completion of the process of IRA arms decommissioning within a rapid timescale. As the Taoiseach stated, there has been agreement in regard to the full operation of the institutions of the Agreement on an inclusive basis and on a basis on which the republican community will support the new policing arrangements.

This is fantastic progress. Who would have thought one year ago that we would be where we are now in this regard? As political opponents, Members on this side of the House greatly compliment the Taoiseach, in addition to his team, for his relentless pursuit of the goals successive Governments have tried to achieve, his immense energy and his ongoing dedication. It was stated during the debate that the Taoiseach sees the glass as very much half full, which is the spirit in which we must continue to move forward.

While we agree on most matters, I have some concerns. When considering illegality, which must finish completely, we must not forget the loyalist paramilitaries who have engaged in similar activities involving drugs, alcohol and so on. I share the concerns of Senator Brian Hayes in regard to the SDLP and the Ulster Unionist Party. We want to be all-inclusive, on which the Taoiseach remarked. However, there is a feeling, which was ventilated yesterday by Mark Durkan-——