Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One must almost become a forecaster to try to get some sense out of the answers given. The Taoiseach did not even try to tell me the reason for the delay. He has already given the points he has just made in other meetings I have attended on this issue. He entirely avoided the issues of the format on the day, whether Opposition parties will have the opportunity to speak and the list of individuals or groups who will form part of the expert advisory panel. I do not understand why he does that. I do not understand why he just does not stand up and give us the answers. These are not State secrets.

There are two other issues I wish to mention, with the indulgence of the Ceann Comhairle. I welcome that the convention will move outside Dublin. It is crucial that it go into rural Ireland, however that is done, but it is also crucial that it should go into the North. This is an island we are on; this is one country. There is an enormous number of people from both traditions who would love to be part of this process of change across the island.

I was in Quinnipiac University in Connecticut two weeks ago at the opening of the museum of An Gorta Mór, a wonderful project. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar was there, too. I was a bit like John the Baptist in that he was there shortly after me. It is a brilliant initiative by the diaspora and Irish America, an example of the great contribution they make to the culture, life, history and knowledge of our nation.

However, we have not been informed what role they are going to play. Neither have we been informed what role they have requested to play. Some members of the diaspora have stated the Government wants their money, wants them to attend the Gathering and bring jobs to Ireland, but that it will not give them a say. The three questions I have asked - whether the convention will extend into rural areas, whether it will extend to the North and what role the diaspora will play - are additional to the ones the Taoiseach did not answer earlier.

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