Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

I take it from the Taoiseach's remarks that, whatever about not raising the issue on his last visit, like me he appreciates the necessity for that connectedness and space for the diaspora. It cannot all be one-way traffic. I believe we think the same on that.

To return to the issue of Pat Finucane, I am concerned that the Taoiseach appears to be taking the view that, despite having signed an international agreement, he can do little more than politely encourage the British Government to do the right thing. Past experience suggests that is not necessarily the best approach. Sometimes one must be rather more forceful in one's presentation. I note the Taoiseach posed the question as to what he can do, given the agreement has been entered into and the British Government clearly has broken that agreement and broken its word. Has the Taoiseach asked for advice within his Department in respect of what remedies, including legal remedies, might be available to him, leaving aside diplomacy and politics for a minute? Has the Taoiseach investigated this possibility, has he sought such advice and what has he been told?

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