Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a fear and this has been highlighted in many areas. There is also a need on the Loyalist side to deal with paramilitarism and any criminality that may be involved. It is not, and never was, a one-sided problem. I commend both Governments for the efforts they are making. It is essential that all the five main parties in Northern Ireland, with the support of the two Governments, get down to the serious business of fully implementing the Stormont House Agreement and addressing the impact and legacy of continuing paramilitary activity.

A successful outcome to these talks will respect and protect the Good Friday Agreement and its power-sharing institutions.It is right that this matter is debated today on a day that one of our Members, Senator Jimmy Harte, has decided to retire. Had his health allowed he would be here to debate this issue. Senator Harte always shows great concern for Northern Ireland. He has a total abhorrence of violence and has always advocated for the reunification of the country by peaceful means with the consent of a majority in Northern Ireland. These policies and thoughts - which were not a very popular thing to say in the 1970s and the 1980s - were also advocated by his father and many people of that time, way before the Good Friday Agreement. I am glad that people have now come around, with the Good Friday Agreement, to those ideas. There has been too much procrastination on these issues but they need to be solved and now is the time to act. It is hoped that the ongoing talks will bring continued peace in the country. I compliment the Minister and all involved in bringing the parties together and I wish him every success.