Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The Taoiseach recently said that a visit to Ireland by the Queen of England is on the agenda but, in the context of the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, there are outstanding matters, including the devolution of policing and justice issues. When these matters are addressed the question of a state visit by the Queen of England will be examined more intensely.

The Taoiseach said on the radio on Christmas Eve that he feels it is inevitable the Queen of England will visit at some stage and I agree. However, we must wait until all issues under the Good Friday Agreement are addressed.

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