Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to see you back, a Chathaoirligh, and I wish you well. I compliment the Government and the Garda Commissioner on the fine investigative work undertaken by the Garda Síochána, not today or yesterday but over the past months, in achieving what has occurred in the past couple of weeks.

Many Senators have asked how we can advance the matter further. I would like the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation to be reconvened as a platform for reflecting many views. The Northern Ireland issue is being discussed not only in the Oireachtas, but also by the public. It is timely to continue such discussions so that everyone is aware of what is happening. I ask the Leader to convey to the Government the desire of the House to reconvene the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in order to continue the ongoing process of reflection.

I support Senator Terry's call for a debate on domestic violence, an issue which has received wide coverage in the news media in recent weeks. Such a debate would be timely in order to focus on this serious and frightening issue. How many young women lose their lives as a result of domestic violence?