Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Taoiseach. Cuirim fáilte roimh na ráiteasaí. Is trua nach bhfhuil níos mó ama againn chun an cheist seo, ceist an Tuaiscirt agus ceist aontú na hÉireann a phlé sa Seanad níos minicí. Déanann sé beag den cheist nuair nach bhfuil againn ach uair a chloig ar an lá seo.

There is no doubt that the most pressing issue in terms of the implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrews agreements is the need for the transfer of policing and justice powers from London to Belfast. This long overdue and essential work must be completed. It is a key element of the Good Friday Agreement. For the new dispensation to function in the North, we need a new beginning in policing and justice. While much has been achieved by all concerned in this respect, we must move quickly to the next phase. I welcome the Taoiseach's statement and urge him to use his office to ensure we move to the next phase as speedily as possible.

I note the progress made at last week's all-Ireland ministerial council on a number of infrastructural projects. I refer to those mentioned by the Taoiseach, projects that affect my constituency in the north west, the N2, Project Kelvin and other projects that are important for the island's economic recovery. However, I wish to refer to some projects that are not going well, such as the all-Ireland autism centre for which the Government has withdrawn funding. I urge the Taoiseach to reconsider this matter in light of what would benefit all children with autism.

We have welcomed the many positives, but we have seen some terrible shadows in recent months, two of which I will discuss. The first is the recent treatment of the Romanian families in Belfast by racists who forced them out of their homes and the city. I condemn those racists.