Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Kenny asked a number of questions, the first of which raises an important issue. He is correct in that the view is the Provisional IRA has built up a considerable asset base over the past 30 years and its resources are somewhere. Powers of investigation exist and it is a matter for the CAB and other bodies to engage with this issue and investigate it fully. The powers are very strong, as they are in respect of any form of criminality. It is important to deal with the issue. I do not have any information on any cross-over into politics but obviously the view is that significant assets were built up over the years and that they are somewhere. The legal authorities, the PSNI, the Garda and the CAB have to and should deal with these issues and there should be co-operation between them. We have seen such action recently in the Border region and have seen investigations in other areas to deal with these issues. Any development in the ongoing peace process will never remove the obligation on the State to continue to pursue these issues — it is very important that they be pursued.

As I said, I have no information on the Denis Donaldson issue. On the outing of spies, we were talking about the McCord case yesterday. It is a matter of how much and the extent to which spying took place. The issue of Denis Donaldson arose around Christmas and I reported to the House on what was said to me at that stage by the head of the PSNI. I have my own view on the matter but, as with many matters, when dealing with spies and espionage one must ask what one can ever prove. There was certainly much dealing, double-dealing and treble-dealing taking place at all levels. God knows what kind of outing could happen.

Regarding public representatives from Northern Ireland, anything we do here regarding proposals to invite members to attend a committee, which is what we are talking about, would have to be done in an even-handed way. Nothing else can be done on it. There is scope for this in dealing with European issues and issues that are important. I have talked to all the parties and am informed about that.

On the issue of people not being informed, we go to enormous lengths with everybody to keep everybody briefed, but I am afraid it is just a bit of a catch call of everybody that the officials talk to them. I have great regard and respect for Eddie McGrady and I do not know the context in which he said what he did yesterday. Before we undertook the initiative I personally briefed the leader of Eddie McGrady's party and my officials have been with him several times. I am afraid this is just an ongoing part of the process. When the relationship was UUP and SDLP, Sinn Féin and other parties said they were not in the loop, and now this has changed as numbers changed. I can honestly say for our part we do great work to keep them in the loop. Officials bend inside out trying to assist all parties. They are available to them and they go to huge lengths. They have always had an understanding of their position. We will continue to do that.

I repeat that the importance of this is that it is a very positive report. This report has been talked about. I know we could just jump over it today and say that it is now out. However, since October I have had to listen to people say: "I'm not answering you now: we will wait till the end of April report". I have heard that endlessly. Obviously I welcome the DUP's presence and comments at the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body in Killarney. It has nothing to fear from that body and has much to contribute to it. I welcome its focus on power sharing. However, I urge it not to delay too long. Deputy Kenny is right in what he has said on this matter. The timeframe we have set is fixed for this year. If agreement is not possible in this timeframe it might be a long while before the opportunity comes around again. That is the view of the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, and it is my view.

In the short term we would like to see open and direct dialogue between all the parties. I believe one way in which the DUP can seek to establish the bona fides of Sinn Féin and vice versa is through direct dialogue. This report allows that direct dialogue to start and I know the DUP wants to be satisfied before going into government with Sinn Féin. However, if it is serious about working towards that end, it should talk to Sinn Féin now. This report allows that position. I do not believe there is any reason it should not do so. I believe that opening a dialogue with Sinn Féin could make a real difference and I hope that happens.

See this speech in context