Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business today is No. 1, referral, without debate, of the subject matter of motion 21 on today's Order Paper to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food for discussion — this concerns the extension of section 17A of the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 for a further 12 months, the provisions of which enhance the Minister's ability to deal with all disease situations and, in particular, to identify, investigate and prosecute factories, marts, dealers, farmers or others who engage in illegal activity; No. 2, statements on the OECD report on third-level education, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and all other Senators ten minutes, Senators may share time and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than five minutes before the end of statements; and No. 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m, statements on the equal opportunities child care programme, with the contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes, all other Senators ten minutes, Senators may share time and the Minister to be called on to reply not later than five minutes before the end of statements.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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It is good to see the Cathaoirleach back in the Chair.

Senators:

Hear, hear.

Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Does the Leader agree that, in light of the extraordinary developments we have witnessed in the past five to six days in respect of the peace process, a strong message of support should be sent from this House to members of the Garda Síochána for their sterling investigative work during the past weeks and months? While everyone regrets that North-South co-operation, as outlined in the Good Friday Agreement, is not as it should be, it is welcome that there is now exceptional co-operation between the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Síochána. Does the Leader also agree that it is time politicians in this country spoke with one voice in respect of the remaining issues from the peace process which must be resolved and the need to bring about an end to criminality in this country and on this island forever?

We must also state with one voice that money laundering, summary executions, racketeering, surveillance and all of the apparatus of a paramilitary political party will not be tolerated in a free society. I make these points as a means to highlight the support on this side of the House for the various institutions of this State which must do their jobs. No politician on this or the other side of the House has a right to stand in the way of the Garda in its investigations or in bringing about prosecutions where evidence exists to pursue such prosecutions.

I regret the difference between the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of the question of who may or may not be members of the army council. While that is an important issue, we need to go beyond it and work out a strategy which will ensure that democratically-elected parties can take their seats on the Executive in Northern Ireland and that everyone's voice in that jurisdiction will be listened to and respected. I hope that, in the current vacuum, there will be space to bring about a situation where all parties will at least come together and meet on a regular basis. As I said two weeks ago, the way that could be done is through the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation and I ask the Government to consider that proposal.

Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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I also ask the Leader to extend the House's congratulations to Commissioner Noel Conroy for the extraordinary work he has done. I recall saying on the occasion of his appointment that he would do us proud. His record is substantial, both on the ground and in management, and he has proved himself over the past while.

We had a debate on Northern Ireland a couple of weeks ago. One of the issues that arose then was the shape of political reality for the future. The only difference of opinion that emerged was whether it would be a year, two years or more than four years before any political progress was made. The events that have occurred in the meantime have clearly set back the likelihood of political progress. I would like another debate immediately on the Northern Ireland situation, but it should not be about Sinn Féin or the IRA, or even the rights or wrongs of democracy. It is clear we are all in agreement on these matters. The Government has acted well and correctly in this regard.

I would like to hear proposals from Members of the House as regards how the peace process can be moved on to the next stage. I do not believe that to bring back the forum, which I support, will create the required political initiative. As I have said previously, the only way to create the political initiative is to deepen community involvement, North-South and east-west. New issues must be examined that politicians can become involved with, such as economic, social and professional issues as well as issues of disadvantage, so we can find out how processes and approaches on both islands may be merged and maintained. This is the way forward.

More than anything else I want a debate on these issues where Members are confined in their speeches to proposals and no one repeats what he or she previously said. The newspapers have been tedious over the past few days. It is the same story over and over. It is important that these matters are reported, but I want to hear what proposals Members have. We are elected public representatives and everybody should have some idea on how to move matters forward. Senator Brian Hayes has suggested we begin by bringing back the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. That is a positive suggestion, but we have to look way beyond that move. No progress will be made if it is kept only at the level of elected politicians. Elected representatives have to do the talking, create a direction and make it happen.

Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)
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I agree we need to look at the mechanism for establishing a new context for the peace process in Northern Ireland. It is our duty as Members of the Oireachtas to look at how that context may be created and the mechanism. I do not know what that mechanism could be but it is important that we start to look for it quickly. In line with this, we should ask the leadership of Sinn Féin, which has appeared to indicate a level of leadership and commitment to the peace process in recent years, to state its position in this regard. What does this commitment look like and what will it be in the future? I spoke to a member of Sinn Féin in Nenagh over the weekend, who is involved in democratic politics in the town, and he said he was devastated by what has emerged in recent weeks. I asked him, as I would any member of his party, who runs Sinn Féin. Do the hard men run the party? We are at a crossroads and it is time for the Sinn Féin leadership to declare its commitment to the peace process and also to indicate who owns it.

For our part, ownership of the peace process from the nation's viewpoint must be based on democracy and the rule of law. What has been emerging, however, is a secret world of illegality and criminality that has gone on for far too long and the extent of which has shocked and horrified many people. That must end. This is an opportunity to end it, but what must happen is for the leadership of Sinn Féin to declare it over, once and for all.

Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)
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I too wish to be associated with the praise for the Garda Síochána on the sterling work it has done in uncovering a great deal of activity that we have been invited to close our eyes to over a number of years and to believe the collective lie that such actions were not occurring. The suggestion that we take the easy option this time and do not spell out where we wish to go is wrong. The Good Friday Agreement is the only peace process that I know, which was endorsed by an overwhelming majority of the people of this island. It is not the peace process of Sinn Féin or of any other party. We must ensure that the Agreement is protected and I would like to compliment our senior Ministers and the Taoiseach on the work they have been doing to ensure that criminality will be brought to an end. After a ten year peace process and over six years since the Good Friday Agreement, it is unfortunate that we have come to the stage where the English language has been debased. It is only now we are uncovering the seedy developments of Sinn Féin. It is as if some people do not want to accept what is going on. For the past number of months, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Government have been asked to put up or shut up. Over recent weeks, money laundering activities have been uncovered and people still refuse to accept that Sinn Féin might be involved. It is quite simple — the emperor no longer has any clothes.

Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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As Senator Brian Hayes has just said, there have been extraordinary developments since we were last here. We congratulate the gardaí on their successes and wish them well in the ongoing investigations being conducted. It is important that we not only speak with one voice, but that the Government also does the same. I would like to hear the Leader on this issue. The Taoiseach said that there is no firm proof. We all accept that believing something and hard evidence are two different things. That is for the gardaí to decide and we know they are doing their best. At the same time, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has said he is absolutely confident in his assertions, while the Minister for Foreign Affairs said these are not issues that should be vented in public. Following today's Cabinet meeting, I hope the Government will be able to speak with one voice. I strongly support the request by Senator Brian Hayes that the Government re-establish the forum. We can only go forward on an all-inclusive basis.

Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)
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Following the visit by President Bush to Europe this week, I ask the Leader to organise a debate on the defence implications of the new Europe, its alliance with NATO and so on. I have my own views on this while others have different views, but it would be timely to have this debate before we discuss the new constitution.

I would like to comment on the ongoing IRA activity, which we all abhor. At one level, perhaps one could understand why this organisation came into being, but not why it continues. It seems to be fostered by the reluctance of the British authorities to co-operate on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. We also see the same with the Pat Finucane case, which is another case of obfuscation. I call on the British authorities to co-operate in both of these investigations. By doing so, we remove a reason for the IRA to continue to exist. That is very important to all of us.

David Norris (Independent)
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I join with others in saying how pleasant it is to have the Cathaoirleach back restored to full health. I reassure him that the shop was well minded by his deputies in his absence. I would not like him to think that things were out of control. He is not completely irreplaceable, except in human terms. I join with my colleagues in their views on the current difficult situation in Northern Ireland. This is where one ends up if one believes in the combined strategy of the armalite and the ballot box. It is now make your mind up time. It is either the armalite or the ballot box; people cannot have it both ways although they are attempting to do so. It is leading them into very dangerous areas. An overwhelming body of circumstantial evidence suggests there is a very serious and growing involvement by the IRA in criminality. I have been saying as much for quite a number of years and have drawn a parallel with the Mafia and Camorra, both of which began as organisations to protect the oppressed from landlords and other rapacious members of society. Gradually, they evolved into total criminality including drugs, extortion and prostitution, which we are now seeing here.

Among the most sinister things I have read was of the visit to Bulgaria to meet with crime syndicates there. What does the involvement of such people in drug and people trafficking say about the human rights aspect of Sinn Féin and IRA policy? It is very dangerous and unpleasant water to get into. I am very proud of the way the Garda unearthed this mess and I hope the Criminal Assets Bureau will be brought into the investigation. There are pubs and businesses all over Dublin which everyone knows and which were very suddenly acquired by people of unexplained wealth from very ordinary backgrounds. Everyone seems to know it is the result of IRA money but we should find out for certain by supporting CAB investigations.

It is a pity to take up entrenched attitudes. Punishment beatings are not just a republican phenomenon, but exist in the Unionist community also and are the result of inadequate policing. There must be movement on policing. It is also dangerous to take up entrenched attitudes. I have just been listening to Joe Duffy's radio programme on which a Sinn Féin supporter was asked about the current mess and recent series of incidents. The first thing he said was, "I think the British and Irish Governments are a disgrace." I do not know how he reached that conclusion from the initial starting point.

I congratulate Senator Wilson who, with others, organised a concert for the Irish homeless in London, which was most moving. I acknowledge also the involvement of Senators Mooney and Ó Murchú and many others. It would be useful to have a debate on this subject to encourage the Government to act further. When one of the centres for the homeless in London was in difficulty, the Government stepped in. It has appointed two officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs to address the matter, which is very important. In a period of prosperity, we cannot abandon those who went to England with high hopes. Perhaps they were disappointed and after working very hard could not come home as they had not been as successful as they thought they would be.

Can the House be provided with a report on the metro? We are receiving confused signals. A report would be very helpful especially in view of the difficulties being encountered, as some of us prophesied, with the Luas.

Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)
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From the beginning, the peace process was built on first constructing a democratic, Nationalist consensus into which people would buy and then a democratic consensus involving both Unionists and Nationalists. There is complete unity in Government, this House and, with very few exceptions, the Dáil as to what an exclusive commitment to peace and democracy involves. While there are many useful suggestions which can no doubt be made as to how one might progress with politics, we should not allow ourselves to be distracted by side issues. The overwhelming priority and need is to ensure that everybody who will play a part in the peace process and, at some future date, Government North and South, signs up to and shares the same understanding of an exclusive commitment to peace and democracy.

Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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With the indulgence of the Cathaoirleach, I take the opportunity to apologise for the words I used during the debate on the Civil Partnership Bill last week. It was never my intention to offend anybody through the use of the word "homophobic" and I apologise sincerely to anyone I offended and hurt. I express my sincere apologies for the hurt and offence caused by the word. However, it was never intended to target any person or group of people. I hope my apology is accepted.

Don Lydon (Fianna Fail)
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Absolutely.

Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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Thank you. With regard to the Order of Business, I would like to draw Members' attention to the media campaign, End the Silence, which began yesterday and which deals with domestic violence. The campaign will highlight the level of domestic violence in this country. According to Women's Aid, 107 women have been murdered since 1996, 69 of those in their own homes. We have a very serious problem with regard to domestic violence and I welcome this media campaign which will hopefully encourage women to come forward and seek help if they are living in situations of domestic violence.

Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)
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In the past two weeks, Geraldine Finucane travelled to England seeking justice for her murdered husband, the Northern Ireland solicitor Pat Finucane. Judge Cory examined this case and found evidence that the RUC Special Branch, MI5 and the British Army force research unit all colluded in his murder. The Finucane family were given an undertaking that there would be a full and transparent inquiry, but this is now to change. Legislation being brought through Parliament will place restrictions on that inquiry to the extent that evidence cannot be published and public involvement will also be limited.

It is particularly important that we support the Finucane family at this time. It makes one feel particularly uneasy when such action is taken in consort with the non-co-operation of the British Government with regard to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. It is no less reprehensible coming from a sovereign government.

Senators O'Toole, O'Meara and Mansergh have all struck the right note today about moving forward. Senator O'Toole said a time should come when we as parliamentarians should get involved in this discussion and try to find a way forward. Perhaps the time has come for a commission for truth and justice as we have seen in other areas of conflict in the world. We should no longer leave it to the media. Truth and justice are required. I agree we need truth from all sides, and there is unanimity on that issue. It would not be premature to invite the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to the House to debate the issue with us so that we in this House, and hopefully those in the other House, would take ownership of this debate.

Joanna Tuffy (Labour)
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Senator Brian Hayes and others welcomed the enhanced co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI, which was marked yesterday by the signing of an agreement between the two police forces. There is a far more accountable police service in Northern Ireland thanks to the implementation of the Patten report. The Garda Síochána Bill 2004, currently before the Dáil, has taken account of some of the Northern Ireland measures. However, the Minister has not taken account of the most radical measure, namely, that there is an independent policing board in the North with democratic representation that oversees the police force, decides matters of strategy, and so on. The next meeting of the board will be held on 2 March in Belfast and members of the public can go along and watch democracy being implemented with regard to their police force. That is the most important measure in the Patten report and we need it here.

Senator Norris commended the work of individuals in Fianna Fáil with regard to charity fundraising for homeless Irish emigrants in the UK. That should not permit Fianna Fáil to hide from the fact that the Government has not kept to the recommendations of its own task force on funding for organisations working with homeless Irish emigrants.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
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I wish to be associated with the remarks made by Senator Mansergh. I also concur with the many Members who have spoken in support of the Garda Commissioner and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell. Too often, we tend to criticise Ministers when something is not working out but great credit is due for the work they have done.

Members of Sinn Féin who have been involved in local organisations over the years were seen as whiter than white, while concurrently at night-time they moved many gangsters around the country who were murdering and robbing in the name of republicanism. It is wrong and they are now being seen for what they are.

James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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Like other Members, I am delighted to see you back in the Chair today in good health, a Chathaoirligh. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the House for a debate on why the Government axed grants for householders to engage contractors to remove radon gas. The procedure costs from €3,000 to €5,000. The grants that were made available in the past helped to save many lives. A survey published in today's national newspapers reveals that over 250,000 people are at high risk from radon gas, which affects some 91,000 homes. A kit, which costs €45, is available from the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to test one's home for the presence of radon gas. In the interests of safety, we should encourage householders to avail of that kit. Approximately 200 people die each year as a result of lung cancer so it is important that the House debates this matter in the near future. People throughout the country are at risk from radon gas so this time bomb should be eliminated as soon as possible.

Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)
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I am delighted to see you back, a Chathaoirligh, and I wish you well. I compliment the Government and the Garda Commissioner on the fine investigative work undertaken by the Garda Síochána, not today or yesterday but over the past months, in achieving what has occurred in the past couple of weeks.

Many Senators have asked how we can advance the matter further. I would like the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation to be reconvened as a platform for reflecting many views. The Northern Ireland issue is being discussed not only in the Oireachtas, but also by the public. It is timely to continue such discussions so that everyone is aware of what is happening. I ask the Leader to convey to the Government the desire of the House to reconvene the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation in order to continue the ongoing process of reflection.

I support Senator Terry's call for a debate on domestic violence, an issue which has received wide coverage in the news media in recent weeks. Such a debate would be timely in order to focus on this serious and frightening issue. How many young women lose their lives as a result of domestic violence?

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The time allocated for the Order of Business is drawing to a close and four more Senators are offering. I will accommodate those four Senators. I ask them to be brief.

Mary Henry (Independent)
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I am sure Senators will be aware of the dreadful event which occurred in Mayo at the weekend where the body of a newborn baby was found by children. Some very ill-informed comment was made in the press by people who should have known better about single mothers and their children. Many Senators deplore what was said. The Leader of the House has been very good in providing time for debates which I have sought recently. I call for a debate on the Crisis Pregnancy Agency report of last year, which we never got around to debating. We might be able to think of some useful propositions to make to Government. Unfortunately, newborn children both alive and dead are still being found every few months.

Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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Glacaim leis an "Fáilte romhat ar ais" freisin.

I support Senator Bannon's call for funding to tackle the radon gas problem. Radon is a carcinogen and many areas throughout the country have serious levels of it. The incentives and inducements that previously existed to encourage people to do the test were of benefit and should be reintroduced.

I concur with many of the comments made about the current state of the peace process, in particular with what was said by Senator ÓMurchú. It is very important that the British Government gets into the frame of mind where it fully co-operates with the inquiries established here. An independent judge of international stature — Judge Cory — recommended that there should be a public inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane and it is incumbent on the British Government to fully co-operate with those inquiries. Unfortunately, its failure to do so weakens its credibility, and that of other parties, as well as its call to induce others to fully subscribe to and embrace their obligations under the Agreement. Co-operation is a two-way street and I do not see evidence that it is forthcoming from the British Government, which is regrettable. The House should debate the matter at an early stage.

Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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I concur with most of the comments made by other Senators about the Northern peace process. I call on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to publish information available to him to remove any lingering public doubts. The public are cynical and sceptical and we need to remove any such thoughts from their minds. It is very important that we publish the facts and let the public make up their own minds.

I have lost confidence in the Government in regard to the Northern peace process. This dates back to over a year ago when the SDLP was excluded from vital talks by the Taoiseach. The middle ground parties have been squeezed out at the expense of the peace process. A few weeks before Christmas the Taoiseach spoke about releasing the killers of Jerry McCabe and the Minister for Foreign Affairs discussed going into coalition with Sinn Féin. We now discover that major money laundering and other illegal activities are taking place. Surveillance of Members of the Oireachtas is also a most worrying development which concerns all of us in the House. We need to have all the facts put before us so we can make up our minds.

I agree with the call for the setting up of a truth and reconciliation forum. That would be an important step as there is truth on both sides. It is also important to acknowledge that people in MI5 and the secret service saved many lives, Catholic, Nationalist and Unionist. We should recognise the work they have done in advancing the Northern peace process to the stage where it is today. We must look at the full picture.

John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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The Cathaoirleach is welcome back hale and hearty.

I too share the calls for a debate on the peace process. At this stage it is apparent that Sinn Féin is not prepared to leave behind people who continue to carry out murder or other criminal acts. It is incredible that its members can continue with the peace process on the one hand and criminality on the other hand. They have a responsibility to the republican electorate they represent to leave the criminals behind. This money has become rotten and useless because it is now no more than biodegradable fuel. The money has placed the peace process at risk and the movement is now reaping the whirlwind. It is time for it to disengage from the criminals because its members have a great responsibility to this nation and they must do so now.

Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Lest I be out of step with other Senators, I am also glad to see that the Cathaoirleach has returned to the House.

Senator Brian Hayes raised the House's appreciation of the Garda Síochána and the Garda Commissioner, Noel Conroy. He particularly referred to the sterling North-South work in which the PSNI and Garda Síochána are engaged. In an odd way, it is sad that it is this area of North-South co-operation which is flourishing. The two forces signed agreements yesterday which follow up on the Garda Síochána (Police Co-operation) Act which came before this House in 2003 but I am sure they also used the opportunity to talk over the matters at hand.

The Senator asked that all of us support the institutions of the State. He also suggested that we should avoid the blame-game, with which I agree. The whole unfolding saga is like a Jeffrey Archer novel, about which one might gasp at reading, but this drama is being played out in front of us and it is appalling. People wonder what they will hear on the radio when they wake up in the morning. I strongly commend the bipartisan approach taken by the Fine Gael and Labour Party leaders. I heard Deputy Kenny's comments this morning and thought them extremely helpful.

Senator Brian Hayes also asked about the reconvening of the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, a point he raised last week. I mentioned the Senator's suggestion to the Taoiseach when I met him on other matters the evening the Senator raised it. It is one of the options being considered and it would be helpful if the forum was reconvened.

Senator O'Toole also applauded the Garda Síochána, as did other Senators even if they did not say so. The Senator asked that, if we have a debate on this matter, we should not go into the "who said what to whom and when" issues but rather examine how the House can work to develop and strengthen the North-South and east-west relationships and make proposals thereon.

Senator O'Meara stated that we have to establish a new context for peace and ask who owns it. The people own the peace because they voted for it. She also stated that democracy and the rule of law should win the day, with which I agree. Senator Morrissey also praised the Garda and congratulated senior Ministers and the Taoiseach. Senator Coghlan stated that the Government must speak with one voice. However, I believe it is doing so, although different ways to express points of view are used by different personalities. It is necessary that these different emphases are used by personalities according to their calling rather than everyone using the same sentence.

Senator Lydon requested a debate on the defence implications of a new Europe. He also raised the reluctance of the UK Government to co-operate in matters which affect it, a point echoed by Senator Ó Murchú. There are inquiries which could be set up by the Irish Government but which require the co-operation of the UK authorities, which is a very important point. Senator Norris raised the issue of organised crime links to Bulgaria and praised the work of the CAB. He also praised Senator Wilson for helping to organise a conference on Irish homeless people in the UK. I also congratulate the Senator for that important work.

Senator Mansergh referred to the peace process as being built on a democratic consensus and pointed out that we must ensure everyone is included. That is the point; no matter what is happening, the end for which we all crave will not come if we do not include everyone. It is hard to envisage that now but the Taoiseach says so all the time.

I thank Senator Terry for her apology, which I fully accept. On the day she made her point in the House, I stated that I hoped she did not mean what she said. The Senator raised the issue of domestic violence, the End the Silence campaign and the fact that 69 people have been murdered in their homes in the past few years. We will seek to have a debate on the issue.

Senator Ó Murchú referred to the Finucane case and the fact that there was to be a full and open inquiry into it but that hindrances had now been put on it through legislation. I accept the Senator's point that the British Parliament should be forthcoming in reciprocating with this Parliament on these matters. Both are sovereign Governments and we need whatever evidence the British Government might have to ensure it is a complete inquiry.

Senator Tuffy mentioned the enhanced co-operation between the PSNI and the Garda and referred to the meeting of the policing board in Northern Ireland which will be held in Belfast in early March and which will be open to the public. She said we should have the same in this jurisdiction. She also mentioned the task force on emigrants. The former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, had incrementally begun to implement some of the recommendations. I am sure the current Minister will do the same. It is sad and thought provoking to listen to their voices as they tell their tales of years and decades of silence and neglect. These people left because there was no future for them here.

Senator Moylan praised the Garda and the Minister and put the blame squarely where he believes it should lie. Senator Bannon raised the issue of radon gas in the environment. We heard an horrific statistic about that on the radio this morning. I am not attempting to be simplistic but it is said that the best remedy for this problem is for people to open the windows of their houses, although it has been a little cold lately to have the windows open.

Senator Ormonde complimented the Government and the Garda. She wondered how to proceed with the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. She also supported Senator Terry's call for a debate on domestic violence. Senator Henry referred to the Mayo baby. It is so sad; the post mortem showed that it was a newborn. It is sad that the mother should feel she had to do that, given that she had seen the baby. The Senator asked for a debate on the crisis pregnancy report. It would be helpful to have such a debate and I will try to arrange it.

Senator Jim Walsh asked about funding to deal with radon gas. He also said the British Government should co-operate with the various inquiries being held here. It is vital that it give whatever information it has. It would be most helpful because people would feel that what we are saying and doing in that regard is important. Senator Browne said the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, should put the facts before the public. It is often not proper to do that; sometimes it is not the right thing to do in circumstances where there are ongoing developments. I believe that is the reason for it.

Senator Hanafin also raised the peace process and expressed the wish that proposals be brought forward which would lead to helpful stages being implemented.