Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Sílim go bhfuil an Teach d'aonghuth chun comhbhrón a ghabháil do chlann Phádraig MacKernan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I welcome the Leader of the Opposition's remarks. As he will appreciate, it has been difficult to get a briefing arising from the fact that meetings continued until early this morning. However, the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, are continuing meetings today to try to encourage the parties in Northern Ireland to complete the transfer of policing and justice powers. They are trying to finalise the blueprint that would resolve the parades issue as well. Contacts at official and political level have intensified in recent weeks with a view to assisting parties in Northern Ireland to resolve the remaining few issues and advance the full implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrews agreements. As the Deputy said, these agreements remain the bedrock of peace and stability on these islands.

On 1 December 2009, the relevant legislation was passed to devolve the Department of Justice. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have launched the process of identifying the future Minister for Justice. The significant financial package of £800 million, which was brokered by the Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, continues to offer a secure basis for completion of the outstanding work. Both Governments remain determined in their ongoing efforts to support the early devolution of policing and justice powers and the wider political process in Northern Ireland. I will have an opportunity to speak to the Taoiseach prior to continuing his talks, and I will brief him on the Deputy's remarks.

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