Paul Bradford (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the request made by Senators Healy Eames and Quinn that the motion on budgetary matters be debated at the earliest possible stage. It is fair to say that in the past decade every party and politician has raised the need for a more comprehensive budgetary policy. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, responded to an Adjournment matter raised by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames on this issue some months ago and they seemed to be at one. I am sure it is not possible to deal with it today but it would be useful for the budgetary process if it could go on the agenda.

I ask that the Leader request the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, come before this House at his convenience to discuss the situation in Northern Ireland. The Minister is engaged in dialogue with parties in the North but there is a concern that progress is slower than it should be. We must keep moving forward on the Northern Ireland peace process. The Minister has an extensive record of engagement with all parties across the divide in Northern Ireland and he could usefully address the House on the matter.

On an issue somewhat related to Northern Ireland, tomorrow the people of Scotland will vote on their future. We have no entitlement to encourage them to vote one way or the other and we will respect the decision made. It is worth noting, however, that if the people of Scotland choose independence nobody will have been killed, kidnapped or blown up in the process. If Scotland becomes an independent country it will have done so without terrorism and by democratic means. Perhaps we can learn from this. We should not look back in anger, because anger is a waste of time. We should look back in sorrow at the loss of the people who died in the conflict on this island. We can learn from what is happening in Scotland that politics, negotiation and dialogue work, whereas bombs, bullets and terrorism never work.