Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

We do not want them here at all. We want them to pack up their bags and go. Until that is achieved, the Minister has a responsibility in the interim. I am speaking about the Bill and this is an issue that is integral to it. I want the Minister to accede to the request of Monaghan County Council to meet the council and discuss this issue. I want him to assure us that he is continuing to do everything and that he has not parked the issue, waiting for change to occur. He must work now and must put the maximum pressure on direct Ministers to ensure that there is progress on the very important issue of the Ulster Canal.

I look forward to the renewed negotiations after the elections today and to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, including the resumption of the All-Ireland Ministerial Council and the implementation bodies covered in this Bill. In the interim, the Government should do everything in its power to work the structures that exist. We all have to contend with them unfortunately, but that is the reality. I am deeply disturbed that the Government appears to have parked major projects like the Ulster Canal when it should take the lead on an issue of such importance.

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