Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Lest I be out of step with other Senators, I am also glad to see that the Cathaoirleach has returned to the House.

Senator Brian Hayes raised the House's appreciation of the Garda Síochána and the Garda Commissioner, Noel Conroy. He particularly referred to the sterling North-South work in which the PSNI and Garda Síochána are engaged. In an odd way, it is sad that it is this area of North-South co-operation which is flourishing. The two forces signed agreements yesterday which follow up on the Garda Síochána (Police Co-operation) Act which came before this House in 2003 but I am sure they also used the opportunity to talk over the matters at hand.

The Senator asked that all of us support the institutions of the State. He also suggested that we should avoid the blame-game, with which I agree. The whole unfolding saga is like a Jeffrey Archer novel, about which one might gasp at reading, but this drama is being played out in front of us and it is appalling. People wonder what they will hear on the radio when they wake up in the morning. I strongly commend the bipartisan approach taken by the Fine Gael and Labour Party leaders. I heard Deputy Kenny's comments this morning and thought them extremely helpful.

Senator Brian Hayes also asked about the reconvening of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, a point he raised last week. I mentioned the Senator's suggestion to the Taoiseach when I met him on other matters the evening the Senator raised it. It is one of the options being considered and it would be helpful if the forum was reconvened.

Senator O'Toole also applauded the Garda Síochána, as did other Senators even if they did not say so. The Senator asked that, if we have a debate on this matter, we should not go into the "who said what to whom and when" issues but rather examine how the House can work to develop and strengthen the North-South and east-west relationships and make proposals thereon.

Senator O'Meara stated that we have to establish a new context for peace and ask who owns it. The people own the peace because they voted for it. She also stated that democracy and the rule of law should win the day, with which I agree. Senator Morrissey also praised the Garda and congratulated senior Ministers and the Taoiseach. Senator Coghlan stated that the Government must speak with one voice. However, I believe it is doing so, although different ways to express points of view are used by different personalities. It is necessary that these different emphases are used by personalities according to their calling rather than everyone using the same sentence.

Senator Lydon requested a debate on the defence implications of a new Europe. He also raised the reluctance of the UK Government to co-operate in matters which affect it, a point echoed by Senator Ó Murchú. There are inquiries which could be set up by the Irish Government but which require the co-operation of the UK authorities, which is a very important point. Senator Norris raised the issue of organised crime links to Bulgaria and praised the work of the CAB. He also praised Senator Wilson for helping to organise a conference on Irish homeless people in the UK. I also congratulate the Senator for that important work.

Senator Mansergh referred to the peace process as being built on a democratic consensus and pointed out that we must ensure everyone is included. That is the point; no matter what is happening, the end for which we all crave will not come if we do not include everyone. It is hard to envisage that now but the Taoiseach says so all the time.

I thank Senator Terry for her apology, which I fully accept. On the day she made her point in the House, I stated that I hoped she did not mean what she said. The Senator raised the issue of domestic violence, the End the Silence campaign and the fact that 69 people have been murdered in their homes in the past few years. We will seek to have a debate on the issue.

Senator Ó Murchú referred to the Finucane case and the fact that there was to be a full and open inquiry into it but that hindrances had now been put on it through legislation. I accept the Senator's point that the British Parliament should be forthcoming in reciprocating with this Parliament on these matters. Both are sovereign Governments and we need whatever evidence the British Government might have to ensure it is a complete inquiry.

Senator Tuffy mentioned the enhanced co-operation between the PSNI and the Garda and referred to the meeting of the policing board in Northern Ireland which will be held in Belfast in early March and which will be open to the public. She said we should have the same in this jurisdiction. She also mentioned the task force on emigrants. The former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, had incrementally begun to implement some of the recommendations. I am sure the current Minister will do the same. It is sad and thought provoking to listen to their voices as they tell their tales of years and decades of silence and neglect. These people left because there was no future for them here.

Senator Moylan praised the Garda and the Minister and put the blame squarely where he believes it should lie. Senator Bannon raised the issue of radon gas in the environment. We heard an horrific statistic about that on the radio this morning. I am not attempting to be simplistic but it is said that the best remedy for this problem is for people to open the windows of their houses, although it has been a little cold lately to have the windows open.

Senator Ormonde complimented the Government and the Garda. She wondered how to proceed with the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. She also supported Senator Terry's call for a debate on domestic violence. Senator Henry referred to the Mayo baby. It is so sad; the post mortem showed that it was a newborn. It is sad that the mother should feel she had to do that, given that she had seen the baby. The Senator asked for a debate on the crisis pregnancy report. It would be helpful to have such a debate and I will try to arrange it.

Senator Jim Walsh asked about funding to deal with radon gas. He also said the British Government should co-operate with the various inquiries being held here. It is vital that it give whatever information it has. It would be most helpful because people would feel that what we are saying and doing in that regard is important. Senator Browne said the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, should put the facts before the public. It is often not proper to do that; sometimes it is not the right thing to do in circumstances where there are ongoing developments. I believe that is the reason for it.

Senator Hanafin also raised the peace process and expressed the wish that proposals be brought forward which would lead to helpful stages being implemented.