Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the contributors to the excellent debate on Northern Ireland which has not been debated in this House for some time. It is an opportune time to have that debate. I am glad that Senator Walsh and most Senators acknowledge the full commitment and bona fides of Minister Flanagan to the process. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, for his presence also. He has been involved in the British Irish Parliamentary Association and the Good Friday Agreement and is certainly on top of his brief in this regard.

The Taoiseach is accused by some of not being fully engaged. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade outlined that the Taoiseach has been in constant contact with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, almost hourly, in all negotiations. There is a sustained engagement between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister on these issues. We have had a good debate and many issues were raised including the need for a task force to combat criminality. Also raised was the high level of legacy issues such as collusion between the British army and Loyalist paramilitaries during the Troubles. That was the subject of the Barron report and we have had evidence on that before. Money from diesel laundering previously went to the "cause" but where is it going now?

Many questions have been asked in tonight’s debate but I believe that ordinary people from all sides of the political divide want their political representatives to get on with their job of representing them. This Government will not be found wanting in assisting the parties in their efforts to agree, as stated by the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, a shared vision and a common plan which will move society in Northern Ireland to stability. That is what we all want and I wish everybody well in their deliberations in getting us back to a situation of normality in Northern Ireland.