Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On policing, I understand the First Minister and Deputy First Minister will have a further meeting next week with the British Prime Minister on the matter. There are financial arrangements and implications with regard to the decision and it is necessary to address those issues as part of the process that has been agreed for the transfer of devolved powers of policing and justice to Northern Ireland as soon as possible. There is significant work going on in that respect. It is important the issue is dealt with in that context as that is where the issue stands currently. We support and encourage a speedy resolution of these issues so that matters can move on more quickly towards the ultimate objective agreed by all, namely, that there should be devolved powers of policing and justice to Northern Ireland. This important part of the process needs to be completed as soon as possible in the interest of stability and wider ownership by everybody of the process itself.

On the question of the A5, we have seen agreement on preferred routes recently and there has been significant work done between the roads authority in Northern Ireland and the National Roads Authority here. I understand both sides are happy with the level of progress that has been made by their respective roads authorities on the issue. We are ready to move to the next stage soon. I understand the Minister for Transport and his counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive will meet to discuss the rate of progress shortly, as soon as the next arrangements are made for a meeting. On both sides, happiness was expressed at the progress that has been made in regard to that major project.

With regard to the Ulster Canal, the Minister, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, has made arrangements for a meeting with his new counterpart, Mr. McCausland, in a matter of weeks, at which that issue will continue to be discussed to see whether it can be progressed. I have not got the up-to-date position on the Middletown situation but I will have the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, convey it to the Deputy.

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