The Agreement signalled the prospect of a fresh start for a divided community and we must continue to move towards a full normalisation of society in Northern Ireland. There have been setbacks in recent times. During a tense summer, we witnessed a series of violent events that we had hoped were consigned to the past – sectarian murders, vicious sectarian attacks, pipe bomb attacks, punishment beatings and shootings. The fact that such crimes are still occurring is a stark warning that complacency is not an option. We are continuing to make it clear to all in Northern Ireland that such attacks simply have to stop. At yesterday's conference meeting, we were briefed by the Chief Constable of the PSNI and the Deputy Garda Commissioner on cross-Border security matters. There was also a wide ranging discussion on paramilitary activities, sectarian violence and disturbances in interface areas. The two Governments restated the message that there can be no place for the twin scourges of paramilitarism and sectarianism.