Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Unpaused is a new word in the lexicon. As to the middletown project, work can begin this year. There was a review of what was being looked at and everybody involved in the project is happy that progress will be made in the coming year. In spite of the difficult financial situation, as a Government we were anxious to assist in the progression of that project in 2010, given the all-Ireland benefit that can be derived from it. It is a further indication of the Government's commitment to move on these sorts of projects when we are in a position to have a clear view of where they are going. I cannot be more specific other than to acknowledge the efforts made by the Minister for Education and Science in the Republic to provide funds to assist in the progression of the project.

The Government officials and the Minister will be made aware of any communication that takes place between the First Minister and the British Prime Minister in respect of issues that would impact on discussions they would have in the normal course of events. During the course of a very extensive meeting with the British Prime Minister on the occasion in question, when both he and the Secretary of State attended a meeting with me and the Minister, I emphasised the need to look at implementing all remaining aspects of these agreements as the context in which progress can be made on all fronts. As far as a part of the Unionist community is concerned, there is an issue regarding whether public confidence is sufficient to enable this to happen. Other issues, including those mentioned by the Deputy, were raised. My view on all these matters is that progress can be made on these issues in that they have their own intrinsic merit with regard to resolution rather than their involving any preconditionality in respect of the other issues, which must be dealt with on their own merits.

At the time, both Prime Ministers indicated May 2008 as the date on which they hoped devolution would take place. A process was agreed between the First and Deputy First Ministers in respect of steps to be taken that would assist in the completion of the project. It has taken some time for that to happen but I now believe that in very great measure all those issues have been dealt with. Now it is political will, judgment and leadership that will enable this to happen. I still believe it is the view of all parties concerned that it should and can happen. I only hope we do not find ourselves in the new year without this matter being resolved because it impacts on the stability of the actual institutions. The imperative must be to find the way forward. There will be issues that must be addressed and these will be addressed not on the basis of preconditions, but in the wider context of full implementation of the Agreement as envisaged. In the past, we have seen that is the best way progress can be made.

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