Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I note the question tabled by Sinn Féin in this group of questions relates to contacts with the British Prime Minister on the ongoing implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. In that respect, progress continues to be made on the devolution of policing and justice. It is an issue I have discussed with the British Prime Minister on a number of occasions in past and, indeed, during the course of this year.

Legislation to facilitate devolution was passed at Westminster in March. Discussions with the British Government on the question of financing are ongoing. The next step is for the Executive and Assembly to approve the necessary Northern Ireland legislation. I anticipate significant progress towards this after the election. I do not think there have been any further developments in respect of the Dublin-Monaghan Bombings since those I put on the record of the House on the last occasion this issue was raised.

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