Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The only relevance of the debate about the future of the House arises in the context of the architecture we have established in Northern Ireland through the peace process to achieve balance between different perspectives and opinions. The reason we had strands one, two and three and insisted on decision by power-sharing and cross-community representation was to ensure we could facilitate the full flowering of democracy in the context of Northern Ireland's unique past. The implication of this is that one should always be careful about dismantling institutions in a democracy. While we can certainly enhance and reform institutions, we should always seek ways to use them in the best manner possible to broaden participation in democracy across society generally. I did not intend to digress.

Senator Cummins raised a number of important issues. On penalty points, the mutual recognition of driver disqualifications between the North, the South and Great Britain will come into force next year. A project plan is under development to achieve mutual recognition of penalty points within an agreed timeframe. Both Administrations are also committed to co-ordinating their approaches to the introduction of lower blood alcohol levels for drivers in each jurisdiction. The Northern authorities published a consultation document in April which advocates a reduction in blood alcohol levels in that jurisdiction. It is important for road safety and enforcement on both sides of the Border to have the same blood alcohol levels, if possible.

Senator Cummins also raised child protection. This issue was added to the agenda of the North-South Ministerial Council last year. We are grateful to have an opportunity to make progress on child protection through the council. There has been a valuable exchange of information on ideas and issues such as Internet safety and the development of a protocol for the movement of vulnerable children and families across the Border. Work is also continuing on advice and guidance material for parents, carers and employers aimed at strengthening safeguarding arrangements on both sides of the Border. This co-operation complements the excellent working relationship between the Garda Síochána and Police Service of Northern Ireland on the management of sex offenders.

Swine flu is a good example of important co-ordination and co-operation between North and South. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and her Northern counterpart, the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Mr. Michael McGimpsey, met at Farmleigh at the beginning of June to discuss co-operation following the outbreak and have been in regular communication since then. The two departments and the Health Service Executive have worked closely together for some time on infectious disease emergency planning with particular emphasis on pandemic influenza. In addition, various individuals on both sides of the Border, including the chief medical officers, have been in regular contact.

Given the importance of the North-South bodies to the peace process and developing relationships, North and South, we must do everything possible to maintain their budgetary position. This will be a difficult task and where there is room for efficiencies, these should be found, where possible. However, the North-South bodies are unique constitutional political entities. In the overall scheme of things, they do not impact significantly on the budget. We must not lose sight of the uniqueness of the political entities established by the Good Friday Agreement. The North-South bodies are jointly overseen by the relevant bodies, North and South.

Senator Cummins asked if changes would be reported to the Oireachtas. We must work jointly with our colleagues in the North. The North-South bodies form an integral part of a delicate institutional balance, as was acknowledged in an bord snip's report. I have spoken to all Ministers along similar lines. I am, however, favourably disposed to the proposal to make regular reports to the Oireachtas.

Senator Cummins referred to the "quangoisation" of North-South relations. I sound a note of caution about using this language in referring to unique constitutional bodies. The purpose of our work is to develop a framework and structure to ensure we have ongoing formal and important dialogue, North and South. Removing or abolishing bodies would be a step backwards.

Senator Cassidy raised the issue of the Irish language and the establishment of a North-South parliamentary forum. We would dearly love to see more progress on such a forum. It is a matter for the Parliaments and good discussions have taken place on it. A parliamentary forum would help to develop stronger relationships among parliamentarians, North and South, and contribute to the overall enhancement of shared understanding of each other's backgrounds. Only good would come from it and it would not present a threat to anybody or any community. It is an important part of the Good Friday Agreement which we would like to come through.

I am interested in Senator Cassidy's reference to an arrangement between the Assembly and Seanad. This issue could be explored in future. I accept his comments on Secretary of State Clinton and her genuine personal commitment to the peace process. Her appointment of Declan Kelly as special economic envoy from the United States to Northern Ireland has been well received in the North. Mr. Kelly has been very active since his appointment, as has Secretary of State Clinton since her appointment, having visited the North and South. Her key point has been that political stability is essential for economic prosperity. Related to this is the whole area of the devolution of policing and justice, an issue about which I spoke at length earlier.

Senator Quinn gave a very fresh oversight and a good perspective on North-South shopping and the volatilities which can often ensue. He made an important point which we should not ignore. It creates challenges and we have to be creative in terms of how we respond to the economic realities. There is no doubt there are challenges.

On the Schengen issue, we are committed to free movement between these islands and, in particular, on the island. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, is the key Minister and discusses common travel areas and related issues with his British counterpart on an ongoing basis. It would be difficult for the island to move into Schengen on its own without Britain. There are always concerns about the EU's external border, which is another issue. We will keep the wider issue under review. It is a reasonable point.

The issue of the paramilitary threat and activities was also raised. We are concerned about the threats which are emerging. They are significant and highlight the absolute need to fill the vacuum and underpin the importance of the policing and justice issue. Significant investment has been made by all parts of the community, in line with the Patton recommendations, to transform the whole policing environment in Northern Ireland. That has happened and the final leg is the devolution of policing. It is important, in the context of the threat the dissidents present to peace and stability, to get that over the line.

In light of comments from all Senators on this issue, I want to take the opportunity to pay a warm tribute to the Garda Síochána and the PSNI who have an excellent working relationship which has reaped significant benefits in terms of the saving of lives and the foiling of many attempts by the dissidents to kill and maim people. It has been an excellent relationship and I give full credit to all who have been involved in nurturing it and ensuring its continuance.

Senator Keaveney referred to her student days in Belfast. She spoke very fast and was the most effective Senator in getting everything said within three or four minutes, which is probably as a result of her Northern background. I acknowledge the point she made on Project Kelvin. I was going to say those in the North are insatiable in terms of the project because there is always an extra spur or leg somewhere involving it, but it is a great project which will transform-----