Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Much of the shared island unit has been positive, including some of the programmes the Taoiseach mentioned, such as charging schemes and so on. A significant degree of modelling and comparative research has been carried out North and South, although some of that modelling should be expanded into modelling 32-county systems because that is necessary preparatory work that needs to be done. Obviously, that is something that all of us in my part of the world would like to see delivered on and there are considerable gains to be made.

I agree with Deputy Durkan that it is vital we get negotiations going and get an Executive up and running and, as the Taoiseach said, that the necessary North-South Ministerial Council meetings be held along with those of all the necessary institutions that relate to the Good Friday Agreement. Beyond that, I think the Taoiseach accepts there is a changed dialogue on this island in regard to Irish unity. The shared island dialogue has not gone to the places it should go in the sense of accepting that this conversation is happening among the general public North and South and among many people who would never have considered Irish unity previously. My party has been straightforward regarding our call whereby we believe that one of the preparatory steps that needs to be taken relates to a citizens' assembly, but I am not especially caught up on what it will be called or will look like as long as it can deliver some facility whereby the people of Ireland, North and South, can have conversations about what the possibilities are for a future 32-county state of which we can all be part. I reiterate Ireland both North and South has changed very much, so it will look very different from what any of us would have considered to be Irish unity 20 or 30 years ago.

The Taoiseach is in the driving seat. He has an ability to bring the shared island unit to a place where it should be. What are his plans in that regard?

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