Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

I do not raise the issue to start a slagging match about what is happening in the North versus what is happening in the South. The system is very different. For example, the Taoiseach has referred to the rates system that applies in the North. It is legitimate to discuss these issues, but the net point concerns whether Dublin takes a position on the powers that need to be devolved to the Assembly. As Deputy Martin correctly pointed out, this is not a static matter. The process is live and we have to ensure it is given fresh impetus and is seen to deliver for the citizens to which the Taoiseach referred.

I am not precious about where the Taoiseach meets the Ballymurphy families. I just want him to meet them. They offered to come to Dublin to facilitate a meeting and I appreciate that he has made it clear that he will meet them here in the event that his visit to Belfast is delayed. It is not a question of location; we just want the meeting to proceed.

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