Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Seanadóir nua. Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sí tairbhe agus taitneamh as a ballraíocht anseo.

Last week we touched on the issue of the Orange Order protests in the North. The Leader responded comprehensively, but after the recess he might consider giving us an opportunity to engage with the Orange Order in this House. Most people are aware of how fragile the peace process can be at times. We saw it with the flags protest and see it again during the marching season. I am convinced that dialogue can be exceptionally helpful. There is nothing to be gained from provocation or confrontation. When we saw a difficulty arising from the incarceration of Marian Price, an all-party group from the Seanad and the Dáil met the appropriate people on several occasions and, subsequently, the British ambassador came here to meet us, which I would like to acknowledge. A short time later Marian Price was released. We have visited Maghaberry Prison where we have dealt with not only Republican prisoners but also loyalist prisoners, which is important. If dialogue, perhaps with the help of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, was opened quietly and with a low profile, there is a possibility we could bring a further commitment to the peace process by all of the people of Northern Ireland. I would not like to think we were taking our eye off the ball and believing everything was fixed and settled. It only takes something small to reignite the difficulties. Perhaps the Leader might convey these views to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the hope we could have engagement on the matter.