Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Various Senators called for an all-party motion regarding the brutal murders of three unfortunate people in Northern Ireland in recent days. I have no difficulty with the inclusion of such a motion on the Order Paper so that the issue can be debated as soon as possible. I congratulate the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on its endeavours in getting everybody to join together today. People throughout the world will see on their television screens that the North of Ireland is a peaceful place and that we on this island are a peaceful people who will not let anything interfere with the working of the Good Friday Agreement. We are fully behind all those who are playing such a significant role in furthering the objective of a lasting peace on this island, an objective we all share.

Senator O'Toole referred to the meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council that will take place in Armagh. I, together with colleagues in this and the other House, am a member of both the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body. I propose that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, under the stewardship of the Cathaoirleach, should examine how we can make this House a conduit for debate on these issues. For example, an update should be delivered in this Chamber on at least a bi-monthly basis on the achievements, activities and agenda of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body. In addition, we should, from time to time, invite Ministers and other participants to update us on meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council.

Dr. Robin Eames and Mr. Denis Bradley attended an informative meeting of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement last Thursday under the stewardship of the Chairman, Deputy Treacy, at which they outlined the important work in which they have been engaged. I will undertake to consider how we can progress this at the earliest possible time. It is also my intention to invite the Taoiseach to the House for statements on Northern Ireland. I have already discussed this with him and as soon as he has an opening, I will include this on the Order Paper.

Senators Fitzgerald and Keaveney called on the Minister of State with responsibility for children to attend the Seanad and give his reaction to the report of the Ombudsman for Children on the death of children in care. I have no objection to such a debate.

Senators Keaveney and Quinn referred to the mosquito devices and I have no difficulty arranging this. Senators Healy Eames, O'Toole, Alex White, Ó Murchú, Reilly, Ormonde, Glynn and Hannigan called for an extended debate on the Irish language. This was in acknowledgement of the special fortnight from 2 to 17 March. We normally have the opportunity of a debate on the Irish language. The Minister is not available because it is a difficult time this week, with Ministers taking off to all parts of the world, but the Minister of State, Deputy Carey, will attend the House to acknowledge the importance of the fortnight. With the agreement of the House we will have a further opportunity for an extended period of time to allow Members to make a contribution to the great work taking place. I often refer on the Order of Business to the wonderful work of TG4, which plays a central role in promoting the Irish language, Irish culture and everything to do with our country.

Many colleagues called for a debate on education and we have no difficulty in arranging that.