Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I can categorically assure him of the urgency and priority that is being given to the successful conclusion of these talks and negotiations. We are aware of the very difficult and dangerous backdrop to these discussions, to which the Deputy referred. We all know that since 2009 dissident and terrorist groups have now been responsible for the deaths of two British Army personnel, two PSNI officers and a member of the Northern Ireland Prison Service. The ongoing threat posed by many of these groups is very dangerous. We are aware of the very positive backdrop that is to come from the State visit that is due to take place next week. I recounted in my earlier answer to the Deputy's question the level of engagement and contribution the Tánaiste has made to this issue in the past number of weeks alone through direct engagement with the leaders in Northern Ireland and direct engagement with the Government of the United Kingdom.

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