Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 14, inclusive, together.

I spoke to Prime Minister Cameron by telephone on Wednesday, 11 May and offered him my congratulations. We discussed the importance of maintaining the close relationship between both Governments, in respect of Northern Ireland and other matters of mutual interest, including economic ties and European Union matters. I will meet the Prime Minister in the near future. I also contacted the leaders of the Northern Ireland political parties following the results of the elections.

I offered my congratulations to the Northern Ireland Executive on the successful devolution of policing and justice on 12 April and I wished the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford, every success in his new role. I also wish Alex Attwood every success in his new role as Minister for Social Development and to congratulate John Larkin on his appointment as Attorney General.

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, met Minister Ford on 16 April, when they discussed co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI and ongoing criminal justice co-operation matters. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Garda on its recent success in foiling dissident efforts to launch bomb attacks in the North.

I expect to next meet the First and Deputy First Minister and other Ministers from the Executive at the next meeting of the British-Irish Council on 25 June and at the North-South Ministerial Council plenary meeting on 5 July next. I also will meet delegations from the SDLP and Sinn Féin shortly. I am committed to working with the Northern parties to identify areas in which efficiencies can be introduced and savings made to our mutual benefit.

With regard to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, the Deputy will be aware that the Clerk of the Dáil received a reply from the Clerk of the House of Commons arising from the Oireachtas resolution of 10 July 2008. As I have stated previously in the House, any future follow-up to this matter should be considered in consultation with the parties and can be raised with the Whips.

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