Feargal Quinn (Independent)

It is especially opportune that Dr. and Lady Paisley are present today. Yesterday, Senator Mooney called for a debate on Northern Ireland, which I support. The situation in Northern Ireland is quite volatile because, in recent times, there has been a change in government in the United Kingdom and it is seeking £6 billion in savings. These are likely to come from the public sector and from Northern Ireland. It is recognised that the unemployment situation for young males is a godsend to those seeking extremist volunteers. It is very important that this House voices to the British Government the need to recognise the importance of public sector investment in Northern Ireland.

I am especially concerned that some voices from the United States stated recently that because there is peace in Northern Ireland, there is no need for the same level of financial support. If we look back and think of the incident at Massereene Barracks and the case of Constable Stephen Carroll, who died only recently, we recognise a very tentative peace in place. Let us ensure we hold this debate very soon and that we do not fall into the trap of leaving because there has been a secure peace in Northern Ireland for a number of months which appears to give us safety from that point of view.

Senator Alex White called for a debate on university funding. Dr. Tom Boland of the Higher Education Authority wrote to the universities recently to warn them that the savings sought by the Government are likely to come from the universities. The universities and the educational system in Ireland is the one thing on which we must ensure we continue to concentrate. If we look back on the past, the reason we did well in the good years was because of a well-educated, English-speaking population in Ireland. Let us ensure we do not aim at an easy target and reduce investment in universities.