Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together.

With the restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland, there are no current proposals to reconvene the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. The development of a North-South parliamentary forum was discussed at the North-South Ministerial Council, NSMC, in July, where we agreed it is a matter best progressed by the two elected institutions. It was agreed at the NSMC meeting that officials from the two Administrations will make contact with the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas and report back to the NSMC at the earliest opportunity on the prospects of developing such a forum.

On 10 October, I received a courtesy call from the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. Willie Hay, during which we touched on the issue of establishing a North-South parliamentary forum. Mr. Hay also met with the Ceann Comhairle during his visit to Dublin and had preliminary discussions on the potential for the establishment of a joint parliamentary forum. I understand there will be further contact on this matter between the two institutions in the future. There are complex issues to be addressed, including the east-west arrangements, but I hope that in the new atmosphere we can make progress in a way with which everyone is comfortable.

I had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, on the margins of the European Council in Brussels last Friday. We discussed recent developments in Northern Ireland, the prospects for 2008 and other matters of mutual interest.

I have not been in direct contact with the family of murder victim, Paul Quinn, but I have extended my sympathies to them on their tragic loss. The Minister for Foreign Affairs met with the family yesterday and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is meeting them tomorrow. I have also agreed to meet Mr. and Mrs. Quinn if that would be helpful. There is an ongoing police investigation into the murder and the Garda is working very closely with the PSNI to ensure that everything possible is being done to bring the perpetrators to justice. I urge anyone with information to co-operate fully with the police investigation. It is only through full co-operation with the law enforcement agencies that the perpetrators of this vicious crime will be brought to justice.

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