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

I agree with the Taoiseach. The visit was hugely successful. It was a visit primarily about Ireland and it involved a person with a very deep connection with this country returning home. I for one think we should be gracious about that. Notwithstanding the obvious difficulties and objections we have to wider American foreign policy, let it be said and clearly understood that the US was and remains a crucial and key partner in the Irish peace process. We meet at a time when the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, 25 years on, are not functioning. I am very concerned about drift in that regard. The DUP has been given space and time and it is now decision time. What is the Government's plan to ensure the restoration of government in the North? Can the Taoiseach confirm whether he will have a meeting with the British Prime Minister this week? They are on a joint platform together.

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