- Mr President, I would like to preface my remarks with a few words in my native tongue, which I shall translate for the benefit of the interpreters:

Is cúis mhóir áthais agus lúcháire dúinn uilig an sos cogaidh iomlán seo atá fógraithe ag an IRA le déanaí. Cuirim fáilte ó mo chroí roimh deireadh an bhforéigin. Tá an gunna tógtha amach as an bpolaitíocht agus tá seans iontach anois dul chun cinn suntasach a dhéanamh i dtuaisceart Éireann agus na Condae cois teoireann.

Mr President, I warmly welcome the cessation of violence statement by the IRA and heartily welcome the end of violence and that the gun has been taken out of Irish politics and that there are now tremendous opportunities in Northern Ireland and in the border counties. A new era has dawned for Ireland.

This historic decision is the result of patience, perseverance and commitment by the British Prime Minister and by An Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, who placed Northern Ireland at the top of his political agenda when he was elected leader of my party. He has demonstrated a passionate keenness to take the gun out of Irish politics. John Hume has made a major contribution not only over recent months and years, but for many long years and throughout his political career.

(Applause)

He has continuously dedicated himself to the peace process and I, as a fellow Ulsterman living in one of the Republic's Ulster counties, want to salute John Hume here today. I also recognize the role played by the President of Sinn Féin, Gerry Adams and the importance of the Hume-Adams dialogue. I also appreciate the role of the European Commission, the Council of Ministers, Parliament and of course the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, James Molyneaux.

I appreciate your role, Mr President, your statement of 21 September which was welcome positive and constructive. We have European structures now in place for some time in the International Fund and INTERREG. I appreciate the recently announced assistance of a further 5m ECU which will be paid out over the next three years. The INTERREG structure is in place. Further financial assistance can be made available very readily. I want to thank the Commission for its commitment to discussions with both the British and Irish Governments in developing policies which will be in the best interests of the people of Ireland in the reconstruction and reconciliation.

Go raibh mhaith agaibh.