Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

-----in the sectors. Everyone involved is to be commended. Of course, the real test will be how the views expressed will be reflected in what is the Government's approach in the time ahead.

I very much welcome the talk of a united Ireland and the prospects for that, although some of the parties are saying they want a united Ireland but not just yet. Is the British-Irish and Northern Ireland affairs section in the Taoiseach's Department perhaps a division that could look at all of the issues? We must persuade those opposed to a united Ireland or who have doubts about its viability that it is the right course for the future. This is not the property of one grouping or political party. There is a need for the Oireachtas to bring forward proposals on what a united Ireland might look like, how it could be achieved and how a referendum on Irish unity could be won etc. It is a very common sense democratic approach and a constitutional imperative. Is there a role for the division in his Department to consider the issue?

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