Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I said in reply to an earlier question, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring the full and effective implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements. We attach importance to the provisions of a specific Bill of rights for Northern Ireland as envisaged in the Agreement. We have consistently communicated that point and position in contacts with the current British Administration and with the Conservative Party Front Bench. There is a consultation document in preparation in respect of that aspect of the Agreement. We would like to see it published and consultation proceed, and the merits of that initiative being debated in its own context, as the Deputy said, consistent with the Agreements we have signed.

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