A Northern senator yesterday urged the Government to make it clear that Sinn Fein would not be speedily brought into talks if a cessation of violence by the IRA was preceded by an atrocity.
Mr Sam McAughtry spoke of the unease being felt in Northern Ireland at "growing evidence" that the IRA intended to carry out an imminent attack there.
The arms discovered by gardai in Co Donegal a few days ago might have been part of such a plan, he added.
There were clear indications that the IRA was carrying out "dry runs" in loyalist areas of the North, as well as the ever-present risk of the destruction of commercial property.
Mr McAughtry called on the Senate leader, Mr Maurice Manning, to ask the Tanaiste Mr Spring, to look again at the promises being made by himself and the SDLP leader, Mr John Hume that Sinn Fein would be brought into the talks soon after there was a resumed ceasefire.
"This, surely, does not include a ceasefire that follows an atrocity" said Mr McAughtry.
Atrocities carried out by anyone in Northern Ireland should be regarded by the Government as equivalent to an outrage perpetrated in its own territory. He agreed with Mr Brian Hayes (FG) in congratulating the gardai for the sterling work they had done in Co Donegal.
Mr Hayes told the House that the Donegal weapons seizure sent a very important signal to some loyalist elements who had questioned the determination of the Republic to deal with terrorism.
Mr Pat Magner (Lab) assured Mr McAughtry that "we haye never differentiated between a bomb in London, Dublin or Belfast".
Mr Manning said the gardai were to be congratulated on this latest uncovering of hideous weaponry which put a huge question mark over the IRA's bona fides in regard to peace.
A former Senate cathaoirleach, Ms Tras Honan, made her return to the chamber yesterday since her defeat in the 1993 election.
It was an emotional occasion for the Clare woman, who was a member of the Upper House for more than 16 years and who occupied the Chair twice.
"There were many memories," she said.
Now deputy chairman of CIE, she explained that she had returned to hear at first hand the views of the EU Transport Commissioner, Mr Neil Kinnock.
She was accompanied to Leinster House by Ms Maire O'Kelly, who was personal secretary to Eamon de Valera as Taoiseach and President.