Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I accept that. Nevertheless, it was important to put those remarks on the record.

In the programme for Government under the "Peace and Unity" heading, the Government commits itself to the development of cross-Border projects. Included among these are the Monaghan-Derry dual-carriageway link along the N2-A5, the Ulster Canal and the bridge at Narrow Water. Progress has been made on each of these projects. I request that the Taoiseach share with us here this morning the progress made to date and his expectations of each of these moving towards specific work on the ground.

Can he elaborate on the commitments to complete — I use the word "complete" quite purposely because I acknowledge that some progress has been made in the telecommunications sector — the removal of North-South telecommunications charges and bank charges? Each of these are commitments within the programme for Government. What has been done to remove these charges across the board? Can the Taoiseach advise the House on the responses the Government has received through its various approaches to both the telecommunications companies and the banking institutions, North and South?

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