Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

No. The pledge will be signed in March but what is in the pledge and the basis of the pledge are now agreed. That was a difficult exercise but it embraces the two issues. While Friday is important, everybody knows there will not be a development in March until these issues are dealt with. That must happen before March. Needless to say, I would like that to happen as soon as possible with regard to the indications from the DUP on its position and the issue of Sinn Féin dealing with policing.

The legislation provides that if at any time before 25 March 2007 the Secretary of State considers there is no reasonable prospect that we are on track for devolution in the time specified, it will be possible to abort the process, including the election. Obviously, I hope that will not be necessary. If it did happen, we would continue to have the option of plan B. Everybody is clear on what is the position.

With regard to side deals, there were no side deals with the Irish Government on any of these issues. We were asked about a number of issues but we stuck with our present position. On the issue of Oireachtas representation, I had to say there was an unwillingness in this House to abide by the report of the all-party group, which was prepared some years ago. However, there was a willingness to deal with a committee of the House, as party leaders had indicated. I will take it forward on that basis, not on the basis of the all-party discussion.

Deputy Rabbitte is correct that it is unlikely there will be many amendments to the legislation but we must wait and see. There were a few attempts last night to get amendments through but they were soundly beaten. If the same happens in the House of Lords today, there should be no requirement for a referendum. However, the Attorney General wants to wait until the final Act is available. The referendum was based around an alternative to avoid an election in the North. I was of the view that we needed neither an election nor a referendum. I still hold that view but there was no convincing one party of it. We will have to wait and see what happens in an election. Deputy Kenny mentioned yesterday my fear about that. I do not believe it is helpful but the parties have reluctantly agreed to go with the position as per the legislation.

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