Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the forum, we believe it should be set up by now. Some months ago, we held a consultative meeting in Farmleigh with people from all parts of the island which went very well. It is expected there will be a follow up there in March. Mr. Trevor Ringland and Ms Mary Davis co-chaired it and it went very well. I attended the meeting and I thought the interaction was very good. There is a growing momentum behind this process which I wish to see resolved consistent with the Good Friday Agreement commitment.

I refer to the matter of parliamentary contact or the forum. I understand the Ceann Comhairle and the Speaker held a very good meeting recently. I welcome the fact that a parliamentary conference will be set up as a first step with the prospect of establishing a North-South inter-parliamentary group, which would also be very welcome. The more contact there is between public representatives on the island, the greater the chance of identifying and driving a common agenda to the mutual benefit of everyone. These issues are being pursued.

I refer to the question of the role of the Governments in devolution and justice. It should be stated that in all financial aspects the British Prime Minister has moved considerably to assuage any concerns people may have on that front. It requires political will and leadership on everyone's part to ensure that this important and central objective of the peace process is achieved.

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