Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, raised the statement made by the IRA last night. He asked the Government to consider reconvening the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, a matter he referred do in his speech during yesterday's debate in the House. He also asked that concessions already announced should be withdrawn and he sought a genuine debate as to how one grouping could prevent progress. Reconvening the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation makes sense in that nobody wishes that a vacuum should continue. While I have not spoken to the Taoiseach, I understand from the media that the British Prime Minister and the Taoiseach spoke of trying to engage in a range of activities, which would get us through a particular period until after the British general election. While I will convey the Senator's idea to the Taoiseach, I would anticipate that they are already discussing the matter, which makes sense. I do not agree with parsing and analysing the statement by P. O'Neill; I believe we should all shut up about it. In that regard I agree with Senator O'Toole in that to do otherwise would only give further oxygen to those concerned.

Senator Brian Hayes also raised the summit to be held in Egypt next week between the new Palestinian President and the Israeli Prime Minister, which is a sign of great hope. Senator O'Toole congratulated Senator Quinn on running an ability rather than a disability campaign. I was interested to learn that when recruiting employees the interview is called a talent interview, which is correct because everybody has some talent. Clearly Senator Quinn's firm has sought to bring this talent out.

Senator Kett also raised this matter and he would know and appreciates the importance of a positive attitude towards people with a disability. It is greatly to be welcomed that against a commercial background, Senator Quinn has over the years seen fit not alone to give the best produce to people, but also to see behind the facade and to seek to give people with ability an opening in his stores.

Senator Ryan referred to the IRA statement as nonsensical, with which I agree. He lauded that St. Mary's Training College camogie team is now training in Linfield's training ground. I found that information startling and wonderful. He asked why Ireland had not yet ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine. I will inquire about the matter.

Senator Minihan echoed what Senator O'Toole said about the IRA statement in recommending that we should not over-react to it. Senator Coghlan asked about the Quigley report. I understand it is in the Oireachtas Library and can also be accessed on the Internet. However, copies were not placed in our pigeonholes, which is what the Senator meant. He asked when we might have a further debate on the Hanly report. I will see if the Tánaiste will be able to attend the House. I am sure she would be willing to do so.

Senator Ormonde cautioned about the North and also raised an important point, which I had also considered. Perhaps we should hold a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to start an awareness campaign on the referendum on the EU constitution with a view to considering the use of this Chamber for that purpose. With your permission, a Chathaoirligh, we might consider doing that.

Senator Norris spoke about the IRA statement and the painful spasms that everyone is undergoing in this process. Senator White spoke about the proposed relocation of the Central Mental Hospital to the site close to the new prison. I believe that wherever it is located some people would object. The proposed site extends to 150 acres, which is an enormous site. While there will be proximity, the prison and hospital will not be cheek by jowl and will have separate entrances.