Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We agree to the Order of Business. Since the House last met before Easter there have been two significant developments with regard to the peace process in Northern Ireland. Earlier this week we saw the first positive engagement by the Democratic Unionist Party with the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body, which I warmly welcome. Many people never thought they would see the day when the DUP would meet with British and Irish parliamentarians in such a friendly and cordial way.

The other development occurred today with the publication of the IMC report. It is the most positive report to date on the issue of removing the paramilitary threat from this island. Clearly, work remains to be done and there are outstanding issues but both developments point to a positive few months ahead. All Members of the House hope that circumstances will be such in October or November next to allow the full restoration of the institutions under the Good Friday Agreement.

As somebody who was mildly sceptical of the 1916 commemoration, I was very proud of the Irish Army on Easter Sunday and of its contribution and role. I was proud to see the Army demonstrate, and to see the Irish people recognise, that it is the legacy of the 1916 Rising. Was it not great to see, for once, the goose stepping black beret brigade put into the second division on that day?