Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The House should note the passing of Mr. Pádraig MacKernan, an outstanding public official who served his country well in the Department of Foreign Affairs. In the diplomatic service he dealt with issues that are very relevant to the discussions that are going on today. The House should note his contribution to Irish life and public service.

The Taoiseach is currently engaged in critical discussions with the British Prime Minister and parties in Northern Ireland in respect of the issues that are outstanding. In many ways these issues go back to the conclusion of the talks at St. Andrews more than three years ago, which were concluded between both governments. Not having had the full imprimatur of all the parties at that time, some outstanding issues remained which are now the subject of today's discussions in Northern Ireland. Human rights, Irish language legislation, the Parades Commission and the devolution of policing are all central to those discussions.

Will the Tánaiste convey to the Taoiseach that Fine Gael stands four-square behind the Government's efforts to have the Good Friday Agreement implemented in full. It is in the interests of every person on this island, irrespective of background, creed or politics, to have an island at peace with itself so that communities can get on with their lives. I say that as Leader of the Opposition and if the people so decide in due course that we should be in Government, that priority will still be the same. We stand four-square behind the efforts of the Taoiseach, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and their officials to see that the Good Friday Agreement is implemented in full.

I have received no briefing from any Government officials about the details of the ongoing discussions, but I can well imagine the nature of those talks. I again ask the Tánaiste to convey to the Taoiseach and all the parties in Northern Ireland, ahead of the plenary session at noon, that Fine Gael is serious about our island economy and people being able to compete as a small but central member of an enlarged European Union. This island faces serious economic and social challenges. It also faces challenges as regards our participation in Europe and that of others. In so far as she can, the Tánaiste may wish to provide an update on the discussions up to 5.30 a.m. this morning.

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