Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With the Executive now up and running, it is crucial that east–west and North–South bodies be established under the Good Friday Agreement and robustly fulfil their remit. The Taoiseach will know that, having been starved of adequate public funding by the Tories for years, public services are now at breaking point. This will be a priority for Sinn Féin in the new Executive, with finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, having described a recent offer by the Tories as not providing a sustainable solution and involving fundraising obligations that would serve only to cause more harm for hard-pressed families, households and businesses. Co-ordination and the progression of major cross-Border infrastructural projects must also be an immediate priority for both the Executive and Irish Government. I welcomed this morning's announcement by the Irish Government to commit €800 million to infrastructure in the North of Ireland. However, works such as the N2 and A5 motorway will not be maximised unless the Irish Government delivers on both sides of the Border. Indeed, with the Executive restored, we have an obligation to demonstrate delivery as part of our work to ensure public confidence in the institutions. I am aware that Minister John O'Dowd stands ready to work with the Irish Government on these projects. Will the Taoiseach outline what his priorities will be for the British–Irish Council and the North–South Ministerial Council?

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