Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The North has been given a temporary reprieve, we understand, for a £300 million overspend but it is reported today that Stormont officials from the Northern Ireland Fiscal Council believes that £800 million needs to be found. This is a shortfall which will be devastating for public services in Northern Ireland if this is not resolved. It demonstrates the urgent need for an Executive to be formed.

It raises questions for the shared island unit. Can the Taoiseach comment on whether the unit, or, indeed, the Government has considered how best to proceed to establish a fund to pay for a future united Ireland and how to ensure that there is sufficient capital there for investment in cross-Border projects?

On a separate issue, I wish to raise the situation in Sudan again with the Taoiseach. Can he reassure us that all Irish citizens there are being supported to safety and, indeed, are we also assisting citizens from Northern Ireland who may be in Sudan? Will there continue to be humanitarian corridors for civilians from all countries to leave safely from the dreadful conflict which is going on there?

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