Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Does the Leader agree that, in light of the extraordinary developments we have witnessed in the past five to six days in respect of the peace process, a strong message of support should be sent from this House to members of the Garda Síochána for their sterling investigative work during the past weeks and months? While everyone regrets that North-South co-operation, as outlined in the Good Friday Agreement, is not as it should be, it is welcome that there is now exceptional co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Síochána. Does the Leader also agree that it is time politicians in this country spoke with one voice in respect of the remaining issues from the peace process which must be resolved and the need to bring about an end to criminality in this country and on this island forever?

We must also state with one voice that money laundering, summary executions, racketeering, surveillance and all of the apparatus of a paramilitary political party will not be tolerated in a free society. I make these points as a means to highlight the support on this side of the House for the various institutions of this State which must do their jobs. No politician on this or the other side of the House has a right to stand in the way of the Garda in its investigations or in bringing about prosecutions where evidence exists to pursue such prosecutions.

I regret the difference between the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of the question of who may or may not be members of the army council. While that is an important issue, we need to go beyond it and work out a strategy which will ensure that democratically-elected parties can take their seats on the Executive in Northern Ireland and that everyone's voice in that jurisdiction will be listened to and respected. I hope that, in the current vacuum, there will be space to bring about a situation where all parties will at least come together and meet on a regular basis. As I said two weeks ago, the way that could be done is through the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation and I ask the Government to consider that proposal.