Seanad debates

Thursday, 1 December 2005

11:00 am

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I repeat a call for a debate next week on what is left of the sugar beet industry after last week's talks. I also agree with calls for a debate on Northern Ireland and the on-the-runs. I agree fully with Senator Bradford on the calls he made today and on other occasions on the need for a truth and reconciliation system such as that in South Africa. I find it amazing that people can be pardoned without making any admission of liability. That will not bring closure to the victims' families. It is time we had an admission of liability. I am also concerned that we are setting a bad precedent in glorifying acts of terrorism of the past.

We should learn from the drugs trade. After the shooting of Veronica Guerin a lull and decrease in violence occurred. Unfortunately, a new generation has come up along the ranks of the drugs industry and the number of shootings has increased dramatically, as has the level of violence. Unfortunately, they do not remember the bad days. We should have a full admission of liability and by all means then move on. We should not have secret deals.

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