Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge and thank the Senators Ardagh, Ó Donnghaile, Conway, Black and Bacik for their contributions. I very much welcome the broad support that has been expressed in the House for the Bill and for the objectives and work of the independent reporting commission. I acknowledge that traditionally there has been cross-party support in the Seanad for measures that have been brought forward over the years to support the process of seeking full and stable peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, building on the many achievements, initiatives and programmes of all Governments throughout the decades during the very difficult times of the Troubles and beyond. I am very pleased to note that this cross-party approach has been maintained and I thank Senators for that.

It is the firm intention of the Government to do what we can towards achieving a society that will be free of the scourge of paramilitarism. We will work with our colleagues in the Executive in Northern Ireland, as soon as it has been established, and also with the British Government with the aim of disbanding all paramilitary organisations and their structures, activities and what they stand for. I have no doubt that the commission will play a positive role in that regard. The Bill, and the measure to which it gives effect, fully underlines the strong importance we all attach to positive developments not only in politics on the island of Ireland but also in respect of society on the island of Ireland and the economy, North and South, which will benefit everybody across the island.

I once again thank the Senators for their contributions. I look forward to hopefully completing Committee, Report and Final Stages of the Bill before the Seanad rises for the summer vacation. That would be some good news coming from Seanad Éireann in the form of our contribution towards ensuring the establishment of the important independent reporting commission in Northern Ireland.