Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Is dócha gur cheart aitheantas a thabhairt ar maidin don fhógra atá déanta ag Peter Robinson go bhfuil sé i gceist aige na bróga a chrochadh suas ó thaobh cúrsaí polaitíochta de. In the context of the statement issued this morning by the Northern Ireland First Minister, Mr. Peter Robinson, that he will resign his position as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and, as such, leave the political stage, it is important to acknowledge the very important role he and the Deputy First Minister, Mr. Martin McGuinness, played in recent weeks in helping to forge a political conclusion to the talks at Stormont. It is also important to note that the claims made some weeks ago that politicians in the North could not work together to forge deals have been shown to be completely unfounded by the deal reached this week. This agreement was forged between the DUP and Sinn Féin before being presented to both Governments, which is very different from what happened on previous occasions. It is by no means an ideal conclusion to the discussions, as Sinn Féin is not happy with many of the elements of the deal. However, when one acknowledges that the Tory Government in Westminster is trying to impose a high level of austerity on the North and notes the lack of tax-generating powers devolved to the Northern institutions, one must welcome the positive aspects of the deal. It is equally interesting to note some of the political rhetoric we heard at the time of the crisis that resulted in the commencement of the talks. Certain leaders of political parties on this side of the Border stated at the time that the Assembly should be brought down. Great leadership has been shown and we should acknowledge the role played by both the main parties in the North in that regard. The debate on this new agreement will be very important.

I encourage Senators to attend a presentation at 1 p.m. in the AV room to launch the Irish appeal for the release of Arnaldo Otegi and other Basque political prisoners. This is a very important issue on which the Seanad should be much more vocal. Many political prisoners from the Basque country face very difficult circumstances, including being kept away from their families and friends, and are subjected to conditions to which they should not be subjected. It would be useful if Senators attended the briefing. I also call for a debate on this issue at a future date.