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

The Deputy will be aware that the Irish Government was not a party to the negotiations on aspects of the agreement relating to devolution and budgetary and financial issues. Ongoing discussions on these matters take place primarily between the Northern Ireland Executive party leaders themselves, but on numerous occasions I have called on the parties in Northern Ireland, especially Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionist Party, to work together to find a solution to the current difficulties on welfare and budgetary issues.

I acknowledge Deputy Smith's interest in the historical investigations unit over many years. I assure him that progress is proceeding on the matter of the new independent body, which will have full policing powers. This will take forward investigations into Northern Ireland on matters relating to outstanding deaths from the Troubles, including outstanding cases from the PSNI's historical inquiries team and the legacy work of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. Regarding the specific atrocity referred to by the Deputy, it is my clear understanding that all outstanding cases before the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland will be transferred to the historical investigations unit.

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