Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is disappointing that we have had a breakdown in respect of devolved government in Northern Ireland. It is a time for cool heads and calm words. At stake are the issues in terms of Northern Ireland and its people on all sides. There is great volatility and danger in Northern Ireland; there are the challenges of peace and economic prosperity and the challenges that come with Brexit. One must ask who is representing those who do not vote DUP or Conservative. That is another very profound question. Who is representing that large cohort? I am always concerned when there is a vacuum. I am a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, BIPA. As the previous Senator said, there is always ongoing dialogue with people in this House, the Dáil and all political dimensions within the island of Ireland. It behoves us to continue to keep that dialogue and discussion going on. Anyone who is a member of BIPA will say we are warmly received and have many opportunities to engage on a social, personal and political level, which is very sensible.

Some young people attended a BIPA conference last year and they told us of their frustration at the lack of any representation. It is a whole generation of people aged 18, 19 or 20, who are really getting fed up with all of the political parties and the whole political process. They cautioned us about many issues such as high unemployment, disadvantages, prejudice and alienation. All of that adds up to volatility and a dangerous situation.

I am hopeful that discussions will be ongoing between Sinn Féin and the DUP and that they can get back together. It might be helpful if people had some idea of the terms. Nobody should be allowed get away with compromising fundamental rights of the people and their expressions of their culture, language and identity. We would be failing if we backed down and did not support people of any political hue who fought hard for people's rights and their expression of culture and language.