Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

We need more time to debate this important issue thoroughly. This is my first time to address Deputy Martin in his capacity as Minister for Foreign Affairs but I hope I will have further opportunities to debate Northern Ireland with him because a considerable number of substantive issues remain to be solved.

I first spoke about Northern Ireland as a Senator during the tragic times of the late 1980s. Thankfully we have moved on from those atrocities and can now deal with matters on a more constructive basis. However, it would be remiss to assume that all the problems have been solved.

Last night I listened to an interesting radio programme on the importance of symbols such as the Easter lily and the poppy. We must recognise that language is important in Northern Ireland. One person's problem could be someone else's solution. Senator Doherty has raised the question of Irish unity on a number of occasions over the past several months. This issue is worthy of debate, although it is one which needs to be debated in the broader context of the developments of the past 60 or 70 years. The use of language remains important when debating the North.