Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

In the course of his recent engagements with the British Prime Minister, was the Taoiseach made aware of the content or the text of a letter from the First Minister, Mr. Peter Robinson, to Mr. Gordon Brown regarding his demand that the issues outstanding in respect of Orange Order parades and other issues should be a precondition for the resolution of the already agreed and funded transfer of policing and justice powers from London to Belfast? Would the Taoiseach agree that the issue of the transfer of policing and justice powers is a very pressing one? Would the Taoiseach also acknowledge that there is great concern across a significant section of political opinion not only north of the Border, but throughout the island of Ireland, that there is a demand to put in place further preconditions in advance of this essential development which, I expect, everyone in this House would wish to see at the earliest opportunity? Is the Taoiseach aware of Sinn Féin's position in respect of the Orange Order parades, that is, we believe the resolution of contentious parades can only be achieved through direct dialogue between the Orange Order institution and local residents, and that this is the only means by which contentious parades can be successfully and, I hope, finally resolved?

Would the Taoiseach agree that the overwhelming number of Orange Order parades annually present no issue for the wider Nationalist and republican community and pass off peacefully? As an Irish republican, I recognise that the Orange Order and all that flows from it is a part of what we are as a nation throughout this island. At the earliest opportunity, we urge direct dialogue in respect of the contentious parades not only with local communities, but between the so-called "loyal" institutions and Irish republicans. I trust this will commence a dialogue that will, hopefully, lead to a better understanding and a better climate for engagement in the future.

I refer to the other matter raised by the Taoiseach in his response to the questions tabled. I call on him to confirm to the House again that the freeze on Government funding for the All Ireland Centre of Excellence for Autism at Middletown, County Armagh has indeed been lifted. Will the Taoiseach clarify that a decision has been taken on the full restoration of the funding previously committed? Will the Taoiseach indicate when further development of the centre will proceed? When will that element of the work which had been signalled to take place or proceed in 2009 get under way? When does the Taoiseach expect this will be completed?

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