John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I join with Senator Brian Hayes in wishing the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and everyone connected to the talks at St. Andrew's well and in hoping that the talks will lead to a permanent settlement. We have had false dawns, but we seem to be close to a final resolution. We must be encouraged by the facts that Dr. Paisley met the Archbishop of Armagh and that Mr. Adams said last night that Sinn Féin respected the rule of law. Whether it respected the rule of law previously is another debate, but I welcome Mr. Adams's statement. It would be appropriate for the Taoiseach to attend the House when the talks are over. Previously, he was generous with his time and reported to us on the progress made at summits.

On the radio this morning, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland made a point worth repeating, that is, if people complain about the education system, other services, rates and so on in their own country, one imagines that they would take the reins and run the systems themselves. It is easy to complain, but it is not as easy to find solutions. The solutions are in the hands of the people of Northern Ireland. It is to be hoped we will reach that point and have devolved government.

The Dáil is debating the probability of an Irish force going to the Lebanon on UN service. Under the triple lock mechanism, this is technically a matter for the Dáil, but there have been recent calls in this House for a debate on the situation in the Middle East. The Army has a proud tradition in Lebanon and, while it is a difficult area, it is good to see a contingent being sent there again. The matter could be discussed in the context of a wider debate on the Middle East or in isolation.