Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo the sentiments expressed by Senator Paul Bradford. We can engage in negative or positive politics. While there are problems that must be addressed, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we have come a long way. The best way to deal with the situation in the North is to have cool heads and try to be as professional as possible in our dealings on it. We owe this to future generations.

This is Mediation Awareness Week, as perhaps some Members of the House might be aware, but I suspect many are not. Many practitioners involved in mediation, be it through professional bodies, the Family Court, company mediation services and NGOs, are giving of their time this week to promote mediation services. When one thinks of the problems in the North, society is always conflicted. Individuals, community groups businesses and families become involved in conflict. Is it not far better to deal with issues through mediation to come up with solutions rather than having to go into four goldmines to make millionaires of barristers and senior counsel? Mediation services are in their infancy in this country and have to gain huge traction. I commend all of the professionals who are working voluntarily this week to promote such services. I also commend Councillor Josepha Madigan, a Fine Gael councillor in Dublin South, who has written extensively and published books on the issue. Mediation is the way forward. Perhaps we might organise a debate on the issue at some stage.I have tabled a Private Members' motion on it in the past. It may now be time to celebrate mediation awareness week by committing to having at least statements with the Minister for Justice and Equality on how she sees the future for mediation in the country.