Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

The leader of the SDLP, Mr. Mark Durkan, suggested to the Government and the political parties over the past few days that the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation should meet to discuss a number of issues, including reconciliation, the concept of justice and the ongoing difficulties in the peace process. Mr. Durkan's suggestion should be taken on board. Over the past 12 to 15 months in this House a number of speakers have suggested that the resumption of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation would provide a vehicle to debate current issues in the peace process. Of all the groups, bodies and associations with which I have been involved politically over the past 20 years, the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation stood out as a forum where real progress was made and all sides listened with respect to different arguments. This vehicle is again required so the issues of the day, be they difficult or easy, can be addressed and, hopefully, progressed. The House should call on the Government and all political parties to support Mr. Durkan's fine initiative.