Mary White (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to refer to the most serious matter affecting the country at present, namely, the position with regard to the talks in the North. I raised this matter yesterday and asked the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, to come before the House to discuss it. My colleague, Senator Mooney, has now asked that the Taoiseach come before us to outline the position. I completely support the Senator's call in this regard. What happened at the recent talks was tantamount to fraud. Prime Minister Cameron did not have the patience to await developments and left the talks at 10 a.m. on Friday last. On the basis of the information I have received, I understand that if he had put his shoulder to the wheel for that day, the relevant issues would have been resolved. I have no difficulty placing on record the fact that Brian Feeney of the Irish Republican Newsplaces the blame for this shambles at the feet of the proconsul. I am surprised by the cheek of Prime Minister Cameron in offering those in the North €25 billion of their own money to be repaid over 25 years at normal interest rates. That is farcical. What has happened is very sad. The Taoiseach, Deputy Kenny, is doing his best but it is not good enough. There is a crisis in the North. Massive efforts have been made to bring the peace process to fruition but those involved have now almost been hung out to dry.