Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for that. There is no doubt but that the certainty and progress of which he speaks is desired by all of us and, most particularly, by people in the North. It is fair also to say that Europe listened to the concerns that were raised, as it made clear it always would, and agreement and a deal have been struck.

Let us reflect, however, on the fact that the biggest concern for people in the North is that they have government. The biggest concern is that we have an Executive and a functioning Assembly nine months after a democratic election. There is now, I am sure the Taoiseach will agree, no logic for the DUP to continue its blockade. The negotiations are over. The deal has been struck. Yes, we need to pore over the fine detail of that, but I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that we can do that work with a functioning Assembly and an Executive in place. There is now no room for further delay or prevarication. Nine months on, people in the North need their Government up and functioning. Will the Taoiseach join with me in calling on the DUP to make that happen without further delay?

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