Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Does the Taoiseach agree it is very difficult to see how the Unionist population of Northern Ireland, whether represented by the Official Unionist Party or the Democratic Unionist Party, can enter into discussions to get devolved government in Northern Ireland against the backdrop of such a blatant manifestation of the republican movement's living in what the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform quite properly called a twilight zone? This statement beggars all belief. The Taoiseach has been struggling to keep the door open to Sinn Féin. Unless there is a statement from the leadership of the republican movement, which repudiates this statement and its implications and which takes a step towards the disbandment of the IRA, I cannot see how the Taoiseach can reasonably believe the Unionist population will respond to any initiatives in this regard?

On the second matter, does the Taoiseach intend to be present for the debate tomorrow given the statements in this report that there is documentary evidence that the Minister of State, Deputy Callely, briefed him on this issue?

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