Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I join the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and others in the House in thanking the security services for the find they unveiled in County Louth in the past few days. It is an indication of their determination to thwart in every way possible those who would seek to undermine the express will of the Irish people, North and South, who wish to pursue political progress in this country by exclusively peaceful and democratic means. They speak for no one, represent no one and are engaged in activities which are not supported and are intrinsically evil. The security forces will continue to be provided with all necessary resources to deal with these matters to avoid the possible loss of life or limb or the destruction of property that could ensue were these people to achieve their nefarious objectives.

Regarding Deputy Kenny's questions, we pursue the question of the island of Ireland economy as being an obvious outworking of the agreements we have reached. We seek at all times to persuade people of and confirm the mutual benefit that would be derived North and South and between the two islands were these economic and social issues to be addressed in a way that best benefits taxpayers in both jurisdictions by seeking to improve and protect services, identifying synergies and a more cost effective delivery of services North and South and not be impeded in that effort by the existence of the Border. That is a matter we continue to pursue at all levels and in all respects in a transparent, open and beneficial way for everyone we serve. Our work with the Northern Ireland Executive and the review of the work programmes that have been undertaken regarding where we can go from here, having bedded down the institutions in the past ten years or more, is a matter that should be constructively considered by all sides. We hope the Executive will be able to examine constructively and creatively the various opportunities that are in place and are possible with the goodwill on all sides.

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