Derek McDowell (Labour)

I also wish to be associated with the remarks to the Cathaoirleach, the Clerk of the Seanad and her staff and to the Leader.

The end of a session is always a tumultuous time and we got through it exceptionally efficiently this time. It is remarkable that we have not had a single guillotine on a serious issue during the course of the session, in stark contrast to the other House. As Senator Brian Hayes rightly said, this week we discussed amendments to the Garda Síochána Bill that were not discussed at all in the other House. That is to the credit to the Leader and all the Members of the House who take their job seriously.

One event I anticipate in the next few weeks is a statement by the provisional movement on its future intentions. I do not intend to discuss it now but we all hope the statement will be unambiguous and clear and will signal the end of militant republicanism in Ireland, which is no small thing. I ask the Leader if she will consider recalling the House if events justify in the next few weeks.