Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I object again to the Taoiseach treating every Northern Ireland issue as related, as had been done by taking Questions Nos. 5 to 14, inclusive, together. This is a disappointing attitude which denies Deputies the opportunity to obtain real and specific information on the questions we have asked. I tabled five of the questions in the group.

I welcome the progress made on the radiotherapy unit for Altnagelvin Hospital. The previous Government was committed to the unit and it is good to note that progress is continuing to be made in this regard.

On the economic side, the north-west spatial strategy requires further development, engagement and agreement on all sides. There has been at times on the Northern side a reluctance on all sides to engage in what is a logical approach to economic and social development in the north west as a special economic zone. There are many significant complementarities. I ask the Taoiseach to pursue this matter in his contacts.

On the Short Strand issue, I pay tribute, as I am sure will the Taoiseach, to President and Senator McAleese who visited the lower Newtownards Road and Short Strand yesterday. While the visit was arranged before the recent trouble, the timing was excellent and served as a reminder of the need for us to continue to take an active role and encourage community development and reconciliation. Will the Taoiseach give a commitment to ensure the supports provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the reconciliation and anti-sectarian funds are ring-fenced and maintained? While the sums involved are not very large, they play a significant role in providing seed funding to many community groups and organisations which work to enhance reconciliation and community development in interface areas.

Has the Taoiseach been given a briefing on what took place during the recent trouble, who the PSNI believes was responsible and what is being done to avoid a repeat of the attacks we saw on the Short Strand? Will he continue the spirit of cross-party co-operation on these issues and share these briefings with me and my party's spokesperson on foreign affairs?

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