Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I welcome the involvement of the DUP in Killarney this week. It was good to see the representatives of that party in a more realistic and conciliatory mood. Does the Taoiseach accept that criminality and the lack of support for policing are two of the biggest issues which have yet to be dealt with? Does he accept that the only way to address the first of those issues is to ensure that the Garda and the PSNI have a clearer involvement in dealing with criminality? Will he seriously examine the number of gardaí who are needed to deal with criminality in the Border counties? The Taoiseach should read the transcript of the sincere comments made by Mr. Eddie McGrady, MP, at yesterday's meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body. It is important that the centre groups which did so much for the peace process should not feel left out. I welcome the spirit that existed between the various groups in Killarney. That spirit represents the basis for a move forward in the new context.

See this speech in context