Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In respect of Deputy Adams's questions, the best way of being proactive in regard to Northern Ireland issues and in so far as North-South issues are concerned is through the North-South Ministerial Council and by regular contact between Ministers. I agree this should happen on a regular basis. The reason we have not had a great number of contacts is that we had the run-in to the Assembly elections. We did not want to give a wrong perception of our Ministers meeting with representatives of one party more often than those of another. I have already made that clear both to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister.

The meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council will take place on 10 June. We expect a full agenda for that and Ministers will clear their diaries for it. We will follow that with a regular series of meetings. As the Deputy is well aware because he was involved in it himself, the fact that relationships have normalised to a great extent means there is not the same requirement for regular high-level emergency meetings as was the case in the past and as supported by my party in opposition.

In regard to the Smithwick inquiry, this is a sensitive matter which is being handled from this jurisdiction. I accept it is a matter of sensitivity and concern. I wish to make it clear to the House that there is no intention of any interference in any way in the inquiry in respect of the work it has to do. I remind the House that the original motion which set up the inquiry included a specific recommendation that within ten days of the commencement of public hearings that an interim report would be provided. What the Minister for Justice and Equality has requested is to give effect to the terms of the motions setting up the inquiry. If for some reason the inquiry is unable to conclude its business in the time requested by Government, we will consider that. As a general principle, we would like to see tribunals conclude their business. The motion setting up the Smithwick inquiry referred to producing an interim report within ten days of public hearings commencing. Public hearings commence next month.

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