Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Appropriately in the presence of our Scottish visitors, will the Taoiseach join with me in recording a welcome for the progress made during the talks at St. Andrews in which I was a participant as a member of the Sinn Féin delegation? Does the Taoiseach agree there was a clear sense of willingness on the part of all parties to assist in moving the situation forward at the St. Andrews talks? Does he agree this momentum must be maintained?

What is the Taoiseach's response to the postponement by the DUP of today's scheduled talks between it and Sinn Féin? I understand that the engagement still had not taken place when we commenced Leaders' Questions. Does the Taoiseach concur that the agreement between the two Governments and any ongoing discussions must affirm the Good Friday Agreement and work towards its full implementation? Does he agree that the process is not about finding a way around, undermining or superseding the Good Friday Agreement?

Does the Taoiseach agree that the next assembly elections should take place at the end of the current term, namely that envisaged from the last assembly elections rather than a new set of elections occurring as mooted by some opinion? Is he also of the view that the St. Andrews document in no way supersedes or overrides the essential essence of the Good Friday Agreement as endorsed by the electorate North and South? Does he agree a referendum on the agreement at St. Andrews is not required in this State? Will the Taoiseach join with me in urging everyone of all opinion and none throughout Ireland to take the time to read the document presented by the two Governments to the final plenary session on Friday? People must inform themselves properly and reflect and engage in every positive way imaginable in order that the momentum towards the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement can be maintained.

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