Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I welcome last Sunday's announcement by the Ulster Defence Association that it intends to end its campaign of violence. We were all delighted and heartened to hear that the members of the UDA have been ordered to bring an end to their violent acts. I am sure every Member of the House will welcome this significant UDA statement which I hope signals a further step towards the ending of paramilitarism in Northern Ireland. It is important that the Seanad welcomes this announcement. We should remember the victims and survivors of the violence of the UDA over more than 30 years, just as we remember those who suffered as a result of paramilitarism and violence from every source. It is my enduring hope that the days of violence are gone and that we have brought such days to an end forever.