Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators who contributed to the debate and note the difficulty created by the short timeframe for the debate. I have undertaken with the Leader and other Senators to make a debate on Northern Ireland and other issues a regular feature of my Department's engagement with the House. We can learn lessons from this debate but it has been a good start. Senators are assured of my Department's continued engagement.

The Seanad is an important forum for the discussion of Northern Ireland. I was taken by Senator Cassidy's recollection of some of the former distinguished Members of Seanad Éireann from Northern Ireland, all of whom made a distinctive contribution to the House and Irish life. Not only did they broaden the relationship between North and South but they also contributed on many general issues. Former Senator Maurice Hayes, for example, played a key role in the National Forum on Europe and a range of other bodies on which he has served. It is worth recalling this when considering the efficacy of this House and its importance in political life and influence, for which it has not been given credit.

People may take for granted the presence in the Seanad of individuals such as Seamus Mallon and Gordon Wilson who changed opinions in the South and helped shape our perspectives and educate us on broader North-South issues and our respective cultures and so forth. It is worth bearing their contribution in mind for future debates. It is not for me to become involved in the debate on the future role of the Seanad, an issue on which I have strong views. It is an issue that is broader to democracy.