Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

When the Taoiseach met representatives of the Ulster Political Research Group did he raise the question of sectarian attacks on certain nationalist communities? Did they give any commitments or offer any views in respect of that issue? Does the Taoiseach consider favourably the movement by the DUP to offer serious prospects in terms of restoring devolved institutions to Northern Ireland? I had the opportunity in January 2003 to meet a number of DUP MLAs. Does the Taoiseach consider that I am correct in having drawn from them the impression that they were preparing to take part in serious discussions, provided the disarmament issue was dealt with?

In that regard, does he consider that the movement away from militarism within the republican movement is being maintained, or does he think it has slowed or halted? Did he raise this issue when he met Sinn Féin? Given the commitment in respect of dealing with the arms question within two years of the Belfast Agreement, does he consider it urgent that the matter be finally disposed of?

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