Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

At the outset, I wish to record my warm welcome for the agreement reached between the DUP and Sinn Féin on the full establishment of the Executive by 8 May. The Taoiseach is aware that Sinn Féin would have preferred the Executive and all the other bodies that arise from it to have been up and running as of Monday of this week. Undoubtedly however, the Adams-Paisley agreement was truly historic and every effort must now be employed to ensure that the Executive and the all-Ireland Ministerial Council are up and running as of 8 May. I ask the Taoiseach to outline the support measures the Government will undertake to advance all-Ireland development and strengthen the underpinning of the agreement. Does he agree such infrastructural and other developments will be essential if the new Executive is to thrive and grow? Will he confirm that among the infrastructural projects the Government is prepared to support will be an enhanced road service from Dublin to the north west serving Derry and Donegal? Will he ensure the commencement of the long promised flagship project dating back to the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, namely, the Ulster Canal project and all that can arise therefrom? Does he agree that not only is it achievable but that it is also required that we ensure the full potential is realised with regard to co-operation in health care delivery in order that every citizen can benefit from the pooled health care resources, North and South? The same applies to education and a raft of other areas.

It is just over one year since the Dáil unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the British Government to establish a full independent inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane at the hands of British agents. Since then further information has come to light on the extent of collusion between British forces and loyalist paramilitary surrogates. This includes the report of the police ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan. Does the Taoiseach agree that this is a vital part of the peace process and will he report on the progress made in pressing the British Prime Minister to fully co-operate? With little time, presumably, remaining of the current British Prime Minister's tenure in office, will the Taoiseach avail of the opportunity to seek and secure a summit with him to specifically address this area? Will he give us this commitment today?

Will the Taoiseach advise us on whether before this day is out we will have sight of the details of the McEntee report on the Dublin and Monaghan bombings? What is he prepared to do on receipt of same?

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