Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Since the Stormont House Agreement was reached at Christmas, Sinn Féin has been engaging positively in party leaders' meetings at Stormont to ensure its full implementation.

However, it became clear last week that the DUP was intent on reneging on commitments in that agreement. Martin McGuinness discovered that it was the intention of the DUP to provide only partial protection to current recipients of benefits and no protection whatsoever for future recipients contrary to the Stormont House Agreement. In our view, it intended concealing this until after the welfare reform legislation was passed.

I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that this is not part of the Stormont House Agreement. As a result, Sinn Féin and the SDLP had no option but to prevent the Welfare Reform Bill going through the Assembly. Martin McGuinness has made it clear that it is our focus to resolve these problems. Our record has been very consistent. The late Ian Paisley said that Sinn Féin kept every promise it made. Despite refusals to honour the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, including the absence of Acht na Gaeilge, a bill of rights, a civic forum and an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, Sinn Féin has not given up on the process and we will not give up on the process.

It is clear, however, that political institutions must deliver for citizens, particularly disadvantaged citizens and those with disabilities. That is more important than other considerations. Does the Taoiseach agree that a resolution to the current difficulties will only be found by everyone adhering fully to the terms of the Stormont House Agreement?

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