Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in condemning the violence in Belfast over the weekend, in particular, the attempted murder of a police officer and appalling attacks on offices belonging to the Alliance Party, which has made a major contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland. All right-minded people will condemn this recent violence. The business community in Belfast is worried that irreparable damage will be done to their businesses as the Christmas period approaches. It is incumbent on everyone to help reduce tensions.

I support the call for an early debate on the peace process to ascertain how the Seanad could contribute to the good work that has been done in Northern Ireland over the years. I support the call by Senator Ó Clochartaigh to invite the First and Deputy First Ministers to the Seanad. It would be good if Senators could hear at first hand the progress that has been made and discuss the current fragile situation alluded to by Senator Ó Murchú. All politicians, North and South, have a role to play in ensuring the progress made in recent years continues.

While reference has been made to many of the negative aspects of the budget, it also contained many positive features. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate early in the new year on these positive elements, notably in the area of job creation and initiatives for small and medium sized enterprises, tourism and the agrifood industry. The budget was never going to be easy given the requirement to make adjustments of ¤3.5 billion. That is the real injustice and reason for the current hardship. However, unless we stimulate the economy and encourage small businesses to increase employment, the economy will never make a full recovery. I ask the Leader to arrange a special session to discuss how industry, small business and tourism can prosper in light of the likely boost The Gathering provide for tourism in 2013.