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

It is important that all parties under the facilitation of the two Governments commit themselves to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. I am listening closely to what the Deputy has said in that regard. Let me assure the House that it was always the intention that the current round of talks would be focused and intensive. There is no doubt that in recent days the talks have intensified and I expect this to continue. Both the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, and myself will be in Belfast between now and the end of this week. The urgency indicated by the First Minister, Mr. Robinson, and the Deputy First Minister, Mr. McGuinness, in recent days reflects my own sense that an agreement can be reached within a very short timeframe.

I must acknowledge that some challenges remain, with a number of crucial gaps which need to be bridged between the participants. It is not just a question of timing or of bringing matters to an urgent conclusion. It is also an issue of substance. It is important that all elements of the talks - the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement on the one hand, including questions around finance and welfare reform, and dealing with the legacy of the past, with reference to what Deputy Smith has said, as well as the impact and legacy of paramilitarism - be fully addressed now while we have the opportunity. These matters must be addressed in a meaningful way in advance of any agreed outcome.

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