Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy that it is the duty of everybody elected the Northern Ireland Assembly to see that the Assembly operates, an Executive is set up and that it sets out an agreed set of objectives to be implemented. In the previous Executive, the then First Minister, Arlene Foster, and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, agreed on a set of objectives and forwarded a formal notice of it to the British Prime Minister and to me. The Deputy's point is important. A democratic decision has been taken. There are changed numbers in respect of the parties. They have a duty to get together and I hope they can do so.

The Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, will continue to engage on behalf of the Government as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and successive agreements. We will see the negotiations through. I do not like to assume the Members of the Legislative Assembly would automatically seek an extension beyond the three weeks. I have agreed with the British Prime Minister that a return to direct rule would not be in anybody's interests. I hope it can be dealt with in the three weeks. If not, legislation will be introduced to extend the time or introduce direct rule. If it is not dealt with in the time, the voices that were heard at the all-island sectoral forum will have to be transmitted as part of the negotiations.

I have reflected on that so I hope that it will be possible for the Executive to be set up and to have a First Minister and deputy First Minister.

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