Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an infheistíocht mhór a fógraíodh inné in infrastruchtúr sna Sé Chontae, go háirithe insan chinneadh a tógadh ag an Fheidhmeannacht ó Thuaidh críoch a chur le scéim tógála an A5. I welcome the massive investment announced yesterday in the A5 infrastructure in the North of Ireland. We hope the Government here will reconsider its decision on the investment to finish the motorway into the Donegal region so we can get access to all of the regions in our country.

My specific question to the Minister is one I have raised on a number of occasions. I have not received a specific answer yet, so I had better ask it very clearly and succinctly. The question is in regard to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister of the Six Counties and of the Assembly. We have had some fantastic contributions here from Dr. Mary Robinson and from others who have spoken in this Chamber. It has been suggested that we extend an invitation to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister. I have asked on a number of occasions whether that has happened but I have not received an answer. I want to be very clear. Has the Committee on Procedure and Privileges issued an invitation to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister to come to speak to the Seanad? If it has, is there a timeframe for that? If it has not, is there any particular reason that has not happened and is it the intention of the Leader and the CPP to issue such an invitation?

This would be very fruitful and could put to bed some of the misrepresentations that happen around the debates here regarding the Six Counties and what is actually happening up there. We would welcome it. Bhéadh mé iontach buíoch as freagra díreach ar an gceist sin, go bhfeicfimid cá seasaimid le ceist an Chéad Aire agus an Leas-Chéad Aire.