Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In recent weeks and months in Northern Ireland we have seen political instability reach a significant peak in the form of budgetary clashes on welfare reform and following more recent revelations on the assessment of the structure, role and purpose of paramilitary organisations by the PSNI and MI5. The political stalemate and the wider political and societal instability it fosters must not be allowed to continue. Every effort needs to be made by the participants, in particular the Irish Government, in its particular role of co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to put the peace process on a permanent and sustainable footing and ensure the all-party talks will result in a successful outcome. I wish the Minister, the British Government and all the parties every success in these very important talks which should be nearing a conclusion.

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