Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his extensive reply. At this stage, I feel the important thing to concentrate on is the stalled negotiations, which appear to have been stalled for a considerable time. I know that is not the fault of anybody on either side. It is just a circumstance that arose as a result of circumstances outside of the control of this jurisdiction and others. The important thing now, I believe, is that a special effort be made to co-ordinate all thinking within the UK, Northern Ireland and Europe to bring together in a concentrated way the minds of those who are involved, with a view to sharing what we have and what we can share. Community development and support for communities is a huge area that can be moved forward at any time while we are awaiting the return of the Assembly. The most important point is it will also help to speed up the recognition of the Assembly. The last point I want to make is that when negotiations stall, those stalls are usually filled by alternatives.

The alternatives that come to mind, in this case, are not necessarily good. I strongly support the line being taken by the Government and ask that, as a matter of urgency, there be an accelerated programme of engagement with society in Northern Ireland in a helpful way, not to overwhelm or overcome the community but simply to encourage them into our way of thinking.

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