Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I share Senator Ryan's view that there should be a debate on the health services which we would all agree is a very emotive issue in certain parts of the country, not least in the north east. I am also equally hopeful that the House will condemn unreservedly the elements there on that day who descended into mob rule at what was an outwardly democratic expression of decent, honest people in Monaghan whom I strongly support in their efforts to retain their local services. I hope the House will condemn the abuse that was heaped on the local Deputy who is the Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil. I do not believe this was acceptable and it was more a reflection on the individual in question than it was on the Ceann Comhairle. What message did this send out to the dozens of schoolchildren who were present and to all the good, decent people who had turned out to protest in an orderly manner? Democracy is a very fragile flower but when it descends into mob law I hope the House will unreservedly condemn the vile abuse that was heaped on a Member of Parliament going about his democratic duties.

I support Senator Maurice Hayes's request for a debate on the issue of immigration and the NESC report provides an ideal opportunity for such a debate. I thank my distinguished friend and colleague, Senator Mansergh, for his very gracious remarks about the Shot at Dawn Campaign and my friend and colleague, Senator Maurice Hayes. I would like to think that all of us, as Members of this House and as members of the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body, acted as a catalyst. I believe the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body kick-started the eventual resolution of this problem. I wish to acknowledge the unsung heroes, the officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs who prepared the forensic report which was then taken up by the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern. I thank all for them for what I hope will be the resolution of a grievous injustice which goes back over decades.