Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach will meet the British Prime Minister before the 24 November deadline. Is it his view that the parties in Northern Ireland will get together to enable a restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly? How fair is the recent announcement about making administrative structures available for those who were previously involved in loyalism? Will they be able to resolve their problems through democratic principles? Is the Taoiseach hopeful that this will happen? In view of the fact that Mr. Blair may not be Prime Minister in 12 months' time, there may be forces at work among some elements of Northern Irish politics who might not want this to proceed. What is the Taoiseach's view on this?

When he meets the Prime Minister, will he pursue the issue of a public inquiry into the Pat Finucane case? This House unanimously called for such an inquiry some time ago.

In respect of the Taoiseach's contacts with the United states, what is the present status of Shannon Airport's business regarding troop transits? I understand a decision was made to transfer such business to Germany. Has the Taoiseach discussed this with American interests?

Recently, I saw a report stating that the Government intends to set up a forum for conflict resolution. In this House a couple of years ago, Deputy Gay Mitchell made a proposal for a European centre for transatlantic conflict resolution, which would be based at Shannon and would be funded in part by the European Union and by the American Administration with a number of conditions applied. Is this what the Taoiseach has in mind? Does he consider that to be a realistic proposal, given Ireland's capacity to negotiate and make headway in many conflicts around the world?

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