Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

On the broader issue of contacts with the Northern Ireland Executive, we need evidence of a more active engagement with the North from across the Government. It is surprising that four months into the term of the new Government there has been no formal series of meetings between the Taoiseach and Northern leaders. I would have expected that to have happened at this stage. It is important that an Irish Government step up its engagement, as opposed to stepping away from the North. There is a sense in some quarters that perhaps the issue is closed and that we should just let people get on with things. That is a wrong approach and I am concerned it might be the approach taken by members of the Government. I ask the Taoiseach to ensure that all levels of the Government undertake a proactive engagement with issues in the North. Will he agree to increase his direct contacts with Northern leaders? Does he envisage doing so? Will he ensure that we will not have to wait until the next North South Ministerial Council to progress the issues that were discussed at the last one in Farmleigh?

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