Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This week has been a particularly challenging time for members of my party, our supporters and most people across this island and beyond, following the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Martin McGuinness. Members made statements in the House last week but, unfortunately, I was not able to attend. I was in Derry with Martin's clan and I was very proud to stand with them. I pay personal thanks to the Cathaoirleach for travelling to Derry with the many tens of thousands who came to show their appreciation, thanks, respect and love for Martin for his work over many years.

I wonder whether the points raised by Senator O'Sullivan earlier arose from the fact that he and his party are so removed from the situation in the North. I suspect there are more cynical reasons but there is no one in this House who will accuse members of my party of not having stretched themselves, reached out the hand of friendship and in some cases put our lives on the line, not least in the form of Martin McGuinness, to advance this peace and political process and to ensure there is respect, equality and integrity for all our citizens. We certainly will not take any lectures on this matter.For once I agree with Senator Ned O'Sullivan because we need the Taoiseach to address us on this very important issue. The negotiations have not yet reached a conclusion, but I am encouraged by the remark of our leader in the North, Michelle O'Neill, that we want to continue to talk. That is important and what the people want. What they want, expressed most clearly in the election, are institutions that will function on the basis of commitments and agreements already reached. The Government signed up to the institutions and are co-guarantors. If it cannot stand up for Acht na Gaelige and a Bill of Rights and face down a negative veto on the grounds of national security by the British Government that is prohibiting investigations from taking place into and conclusions being reached on matters such as the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, the case of Pat Finucane and the McGurk's Bar bombing, I am not quite sure what its role as co-guarantor entails. The British Secretary of State has said in the House of Commons today that he is considering all options in the process in the North. It is past time that we heard from the Government on the options it is considering.