Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Catherine Murphy, I agree that it would be better if the Assembly was in place in Northern Ireland. However, we have found that we have been able to negotiate this particularly difficult path in its absence and have been able to produce some very complex legislation. There have been preliminary talks between the Irish Government, my Department and representatives in Northern Ireland. We achieved this result on foot of those negotiations. I do not see any major legislation coming through, but that does not mean that we will not amend this legislation if it is absolutely necessary.