Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

Senator Ciaran Cannon made reference to various agricultural policies and schemes which must be addressed in this House. In that context, it would be helpful to have an early debate on the future of Irish agriculture because there is a very serious debate commencing in Brussels regarding the future of the Common Agricultural Policy and various aids to agriculture. We must play a constructive role in that debate at European level. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to participate in a debate on agriculture.

Senator Cecilia Keaveney made a call yesterday, supported by Senator Jim Walsh this morning, for a debate on Northern Ireland, which was a regular matter for debate here in the past. Often, such debates were sad occasions. However, it would be helpful if we could now debate the great progress made on the political situation in Northern Ireland. I concur with Senator Jim Walsh regarding the Taoiseach's meeting with the Reverend Ian Paisley last week in Ballymena. The House can unite in congratulating both men. The meeting clearly indicates the progress we have made, given that in 1985, on the occasion of the signing of the Anglo Irish Agreement, this House could not unite in supporting what was a very strong building block.

While I recognise that it is unusual for Members from this side of the House to praise the Government, I wish to sincerely congratulate the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, for his decision to give grant aid to the Orange Order. It was courageous, far-sighted and a decision which challenges all of us to recognise and publicly accept that there is another tradition on this island. The decision forces us to move outside our own little political comfort zone and to recognise that we must acknowledge an alternative viewpoint and vision. The Minister must be commended. I was disappointed to hear that a small section of so-called republicans condemned him because surely those who consider themselves to be republicans know they must recognise and respect every tradition on this island. The granting of assistance to the Orange Order, particularly among the Border communities, is another step forward in the pursuit of a long-term solution. We must support the Minister's actions in that regard.