Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Has the Government a strategy to end the suspension of the institutions by the British Government and to move the Good Friday Agreement forward to full implementation? If so, will the Taoiseach outline the strategy to the House? Does he agree with the response of both Sinn Féin and the SDLP to the DUP proposals last week that they are, in essence, unworkable and amount to a blueprint for a return to single party and majority rule in the Six County area? Does he also agree the current review must not amount to an exercise in unravelling the important progress made in the Good Friday Agreement, as some wish? Does he further agree progress can only be made regarding the Assembly and a working executive in the context of fully functioning and interlocking all-Ireland institutions? That is what people have worked towards and supported and that is a significant and important cornerstone of the Agreement.

Does the Taoiseach agree, contrary to Deputy Kenny's assertion regarding the raising by the DUP of the ending of all paramilitary activities, that that does not refocus attention on Sinn Féin but demands, as it must, a concentration of effort on the part of all elected voices and all parties to ensure an ending of all such activity, to which Sinn Féin is fully committed?

I refer to the Taoiseach's reply to a question I tabled in this grouping regarding Northern representation. He viewed this as a matter for the Whips to consider progressing within the timeframe of this Dáil. As media commentators have speculated recently on the likely timespan of this Dáil, can the Taoiseach be more specific? Is he actively encouraging his Chief Whip to make this a substantive matter on the agenda of Whips' meetings on which we will see early progress?

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