Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The sectoral engagements are a very important part of the all-island civic dialogue. Indeed, the Taoiseach used the phrase "all-island" half a dozen times in his response to an Teachta Howlin. However, as far as I know, none of the sectoral meetings has taken place in the North, which is very disappointing. The Taoiseach indicated a meeting would be held in Newry, which I communicated to a lot of people in the town. Instead, the meeting took place in my constituency of Louth. I note an upcoming meeting on human rights and the Good Friday Agreement will take place in Kildare. Why can that meeting not be held in Derry, Enniskillen or Belfast? Why has the Taoiseach taken what is clearly a policy decision not to hold meetings in the North? Will that gap be filled?

The British Government White Paper on Brexit was published last week and contains many of the platitudes we have heard from the Taoiseach and Prime Minister May. It even refers to "the strength and support of 65 million people willing us to make it [Brexit] happen". Of course, both the Tory Government and the Taoiseach's Government are ignoring the majority remain vote in the North. The White Paper also claims the devolved Administrations are fully engaged in preparations to leave the EU. Leaving aside our own position in the North, we know from the devolved Administrations in Scotland and Wales this is not the case. When will the Government publish a White Paper setting out its strategy and objectives for the Brexit negotiations? The Taoiseach said he will make a speech on this, but I would like to know when we will see a White Paper.

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