Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Amárach beidh na rialacháin nua maidir le reachtaíocht i leith na Gaeilge á phlé sa choiste, agus beidh comharthaí bóithre mar chuid den díospóireacht sin. Chabhródh sé go mór soiléiriú a dhéanamh cá bhfuil na rialacháin i láthair na huaire agus cad é todhchaí na Gaeilge. Bheadh an-díomá orm dá mbeadh aon chúlú maidir leis na cearta sibhialta a bhain muintir na Gaeltachta amach breis agus 25 bliain ó shin. Bhí na comharthaí bóithre i lár na ceiste sin ag an am freisin. Chomh maith leis sin, ceapaim tríd is tríd, tar éis na rialacháin a léamh, go bhfuil siad réasúnta go leor má táimid dáiríre maidir le Gaelú na timpeallachta. Amárach beidh seans againn iad sin ar fad a phlé.

Many people in Ireland must, like me, have been pleasantly surprised not only at the conciliatory tone taken yesterday by Dr. Paisley but also at the vision he expressed for the entire country. This is to be welcomed, and I predict that republicans and Nationalists will respond to what Dr. Paisley said yesterday. It is quite evident that he faces difficulties in his party, but that is understandable because it is a sea-change. If we all make a positive contribution to the debate, I am quite confident that the peace process will be brought to an inevitable positive conclusion next year. I do not suggest that we have a debate in the immediate future but propose that we do so when matters are clearer.

One good thing to emerge from the challenges faced by the peace process is the unanimity shown by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister. It has been exceptionally encouraging to see that because in many ways it creates the correct environment for the radical changes that will take place. We should seize every opportunity, large or small, that comes our way as a result, all displaying the same focus.