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

The Deputy raised the Pat Finucane issue specifically but my understanding is that the other issues to which he referred would include the Irish Language Act, for example. A specific commitment in regard to the Act was not included in the recently forged agreement, nevertheless recognition was contained in the agreement of the role of the Irish language in Northern Ireland. We will continue to raise this issue. Similarly, as far as the North-South Consultative Forum and the issue of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland are concerned, the enabling consensus was not around the table to have the specific initiatives included in the agreement.

However, I want to confirm to the Deputy that there will be other opportunities to raise these issues. Having regard to the fact that the agreement was concluded before Christmas, the review mechanisms contained in it and issues of importance will continue to be raised at the meetings that will take place on a quarterly basis. With specific reference to the issues raised by the Deputy, there will be an opportunity to raise them at the North-South Ministerial Council, which will take place in February. Now more than ever, there is a very high degree of contact and a very positive relationship between representatives of this House and the Northern Ireland Assembly and the British Government. I can assure the House that we will continue to raise outstanding issues at every opportunity.

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