Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have already wished Dr. Ian Paisley well on his impending retirement. As I pointed out, he was a colourful, controversial and dominating figure in Northern politics for almost 50 years. At the end of his political career he deserves credit for the conviction he showed in coming full circle to make the restoration of the assembly in Stormont a reality. We hope that all parties and communities in Northern Ireland will benefit as a consequence.

I am concerned about the emerging problem with the Real IRA. I understand that last week a report indicated that members of the dissident group met with reporters from a Sunday newspaper close to the Border. They outlined their position on targets and a renewed bombing campaign. There is evidence that they are heavily armed. Is the Taoiseach concerned about this? Do we have reports from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Army of evidence of activity by this small dissident group? The Taoiseach will recall that back in 1998, following the Omagh bombing, he sent Deputy Mansergh to speak to the Real IRA, which I regarded then as a regrettable decision. Be that as it may, however, is the Taoiseach concerned about that matter? What evidence do we have from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Defence concerning the level of activity of these persons? Is the situation being monitored? The Real IRA has made references to renewed bombing campaigns and attempted murders. Even members of the Northern Ireland Executive are within the range of what the Real IRA calls legitimate targets. Will the Taoiseach comment on that situation?

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