Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In regard to the development of the parliamentary forum, as Deputy Gilmore noted it was discussed and included in the communiqué in July. We agreed at the time that it would be best progressed by the two elected institutions. It was decided at the North-South Ministerial Council meeting that officials from the two Administrations would make contact with the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Houses of the Oireachtas and would report back to the council meeting in February. I understand that is currently taking place. I took the opportunity when I met the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Hay, to discuss how we could progress the issue. Clearly, there are sensitivities around how we do that but he is anxious that we make progress. We are also anxious to make progress and I hope we can address the matter in the council in February and progress it in early 2008.

On the Deputy's second question, the Minister for Foreign Affairs met Paul Quinn's family yesterday and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, will meet them tomorrow. I fully support everything the Minister for Foreign Affairs had to say to the family. As I previously stated when asked about this matter, albeit not on the occasion to which Deputy Gilmore referred, the only people in this case who are criminals are the ones who murdered Paul. In dealing with questions in this House and elsewhere, I shared certain information about the lines of inquiry being pursued and in speaking about criminality I was responding to questions asked on whether the murder had a political motivation or implications for the Northern Ireland Executive. I did not in any way intend to make an issue out of the character of Paul Quinn and I am happy to make that clear to the House.

It remains the case that no information is available to me from the Garda Commissioner to suggest this attack was authorised or sanctioned by the IRA, a question I am continually asked outside the House.

I understand that the Chief Constable of the PSNI gave an interview on Saturday in which he said the same thing. I of course am aware that questions have been raised about the involvement of local people with IRA associates and IRA associations. It is a matter for the police investigation to follow that through and hopefully the killers will be brought to justice as soon as possible. I acknowledge the enormous amount of co-operation in this case. On the last occasion, I urged people to co-operate with the Garda and the PSNI investigations on both sides of the Border and people are doing that.

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