Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Do I take it from the Taoiseach's reply that he does not believe that the South African-style truth and reconciliation commission would be the appropriate one for Northern Ireland? Have the British authorities consulted him or the Government about the remit, personnel, timeframe etc. of the independent group announced to examine the legacy of the Troubles? If the Taoiseach's view is that the South African model is not the appropriate one, does the Government have views on what the appropriate model might be and will that be exchanged with the British Government?

The Taoiseach said that the North-South Ministerial Council is likely to be convened at an early date to meet in Armagh. Does that mean there will be regular meetings between him and the First Minister? Is such a meeting planned? In that regard what is the status of the Government proposition made during the last Dáil for an Oireachtas committee on North-South co-operation? Does he agree that no steps ought to be taken that would destabilise the institutions in Northern Ireland? Does he agree that priority ought to be given to the North-South parliamentary forum as envisaged in the Belfast Agreement?

In respect of the assassination of Pat Finucane, was he surprised at the decision of the prosecutorial service in this regard, having regard to the clear conclusions of the Stevens inquiry that there was collusion between security services and paramilitaries in Northern Ireland? Will he raise with the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, the imperative of a truly independent and proper inquiry into that murder?

Does the Taoiseach agree it is an irony that, as we approach a peaceful marching season in Northern Ireland, which we all hope will continue through 12 July and thereafter, there is in prospect a potentially contentious parade in Dublin by the Love Ulster organisation? The parade on the last occasion had unfortunate consequences. What is the Government's view on that? Is there contact between the organisers of the parade and agents of the Government? Does the Taoiseach think it will or it ought to go ahead?

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