Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

On the outstanding matters such as the Bill of Rights and Acht Teanga don Ghaeilge, while I note the Taoiseach's response in regard to same, without question these are elements arising directly out of the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement. Will the Taoiseach endeavour to aid the objective of the earliest introduction of these very important elements? It is not within the gift of either the Dublin or London Governments to stand back from continuing to have a direct role and involvement in encouraging and assisting the bringing about of important components of the overall process, leading from the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement up to the Hillsborough agreement. We need to see all of these components realised.

I am aware of the energy and effort being employed in relation to the all-Ireland inter-parliamentary forum and I hope we will see the fruits of this in the current year. Will the Taoiseach please note my request for every assistance in pushing for the Bill of Rights and the Acht Teanga don Ghaeilge at the earliest opportunity?

On Justice for the Forgotten, I do not want to open up a chasm on this issue because we have had a good series of exchanges, not only in the Taoiseach's term in office but, in particular, during his predecessor's term as Taoiseach. The role of Justice for the Forgotten must continue because closure has not been arrived at. This is about the issues of truth, justice and support. The survivors and families of the victims continue to engage daily and weekly with the key players in Justice for the Forgotten. This facility and office is just a telephone call away and provides an opportunity to walk in and seek support and advice from the organisation's staff. This needs to continue.

I ask the Taoiseach not to dismiss this matter by stating that it is now under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Minister's reply offers no prospect of a funding stream continuing in this or subsequent years. I make an appeal to the Taoiseach that the spirit that applied during the term in office of his predecessor, Deputy Bertie Ahern, be continued. The former Taoiseach was focused and engaged on this issue and met with representatives of Justice for the Forgotten. I ask the Taoiseach to restore a direct interest on the part of the Department of the Taoiseach in this matter and the group in question. In addition to restoring a funding stream to allow Justice for the Forgotten to continue its valued work, will the Taoiseach meet representatives of the group in the context of all of this and at the earliest opportunity?

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