Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In the course of the statements in the House on the murder of Paul Quinn, I made the point that if the peace process is to work and the Good Friday Agreement is to be implemented for the benefit of all communities, we do not need a structure like the army council of the Provisional IRA. I made that point based on evidence given to me by people living across a broad swathe of the south Armagh Border region where, on a continual basis, punishment beatings are being carried out in apparent accordance with that particular structure. Does the Taoiseach agree this is something that should be abandoned? I would love to get a letter from P. O'Neill indicating that such a decision was taken in the light of being serious about the development of the country from here on.

Second, in respect of the economic conference in May, what will be the input of the Government? Will the Taoiseach attend? Will the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance or Enterprise, Trade and Employment speak at the conference? What is the input from the Twenty-six Counties? In this context, have there been any further discussions with the British Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the possibility of a reduction in the corporate tax rate in Northern Ireland, which is a disincentive in comparison with our rate? If we are talking about an island economic entity, this is a critical issue for the economic conference. I am aware that the former President of the United States, Mr. Bill Clinton, is due to attend. Without prejudicing the result of events to take place in the United States, will the real President Clinton also be attending this conference? This would be of interest to many of those who are undocumented in the United States in view of her statement that she will introduce immigration reform within the first 100 days of the new presidency.

Third, in the context of efficiency, good health and professionalism, the cancer strategy in the Republic is to establish a new satellite centre in Letterkenny for the treatment of breast cancer. This decision was taken as a result of Government policy. However, if we are talking about co-operation between the Twenty-six Counties and the Six Counties, surely this is one issue upon which there should be no disagreement. Will it be a factor in the discussions between the Government, British Government and Northern Ireland Assembly that centres be developed in Derry, Letterkenny, Sligo or Enniskillen to cater for patients requiring specialist treatment, whether cardiac, cancer or whatever, rather than have a situation where there is a parallel in services on either side of the Border for the same specialist area?

I ask the Taoiseach to comment on these three fundamental issues.

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