Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like the Taoiseach and everybody else, I have observed trends and issues that have arisen from time to time in Northern Ireland. There is a recognition that the peace process must be worked at on a continual basis and that measures must be taken to address issues that might arise at local level in the North of Ireland. I know that there has been quite an amount of discussion on whether a border poll should be taken now. In some areas, it is felt that a border poll should not take place for many years. Regardless of what happens, it is essential that both communities in Northern Ireland are reassured of the benign approach from the South of Ireland and from all the signatories to the Good Friday Agreement. There is a necessity to ensure that this continues. There is also a necessity to identify and address social or economic difficulties that may have arisen or are an ongoing source of aggravation. Is the Taoiseach satisfied that any such difficulties are being addressed adequately? I agree entirely with the shared island approach. Are there other issues that need to be advanced in that area?