John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I join Senator Brian Hayes and others in welcoming the developments taking place in Northern Ireland. I particularly welcome the findings of the Independent Monitoring Commission that the IRA has turned its back on paramilitary violence, and is not training or preparing for action. That is a significant step forward that underlines the capacity to build an executive and assembly.

I also agree with Senator Brian Hayes's point about the presence of the Democratic Unionist Party at the meeting of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body in Killarney. That was a positive development, as was the presence today of Prince Philip at the President's award, Gaisce, and that he stayed for lunch in Iveagh House.

In light of these developments one hopes we will reach the point at which the executive will be established after the assembly meets in mid-May, which would be a good time for us to debate these matters, rather than in the immediate future. I hope relations with Britain are becoming so normal that we can look forward to the arrival of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in this country where I am sure she will receive a good céad míle fáilte.