Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's frustration and concern but my job is to get things moving, which is what I am trying to do. In the past week, there have been some positive developments in Northern Ireland with regard to the launch of a public consultation process around legacy which is something we have been waiting for quite some time. It is hugely important to many families in Northern Ireland.

What we got from a court decision this week is a reminder that the status quo is not okay in Northern Ireland in terms of normal basic decisions that impact on people's lives and livelihoods. In this case it was a decision that said a civil servant was not empowered to make the decision he or she did on a planning application for an incinerator. There are a lot of other decisions stacking up now. There are hundreds which need political input. They need a Minister in a devolved government to make a decision. Those decisions are not being made.

I am speaking to the Secretary of State of Northern Ireland to ensure she can take a practical approach to making important decisions. We want to do it in an appropriate structure. Ultimately, we continue to talk to parties to try to find a way forward to return Northern Ireland to the devolved governance it should have. In the absence of that, we are drifting in a way that is very concerning for many decisions that need to be taken in Northern Ireland.

See this speech in context