Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand what the Deputy is saying but, as usual, he continues to see the glass half empty rather than half full. A large measure of progress was made in the context of this agreement. In fact, people were of the view early on in the talks that a successful conclusion would not be reached. I accept what the Deputy said that a number of issues remain outstanding and on which, to my mind, agreement can be reached over a period of time.

The Deputy mentioned specifically the case of Pat Finucane. He will be aware of the fact that individual and specific case did not come within the scope of the Stormont House Agreement. However, the position of the Irish Government on this issue has not changed. We believe that a commitment to have a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, as provided for in the Weston Park Agreement of 2001, should be honoured. We will continue to raise this issue with the British Government. It is an issue on which we will continue to pursue and raise at every opportunity.

In the short period of time at the Deputy's disposal, he concentrated on issues that did not come within the scope of the agreement. He needs to acknowledge, as does this House, that the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, on the evening of the conclusion of the successful deal, described the Stormont House Agreement as a fresh start and an opportunity to be seized with both hands. I wish to welcome that comment and acknowledge the very important and crucial role of the Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and others in the talks.

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