Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too welcome the passage of the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Bill 2019, and I thank the Opposition for its co-operation. This important legislation will assist An Garda Síochána, the PSNI, and other stakeholders in helping to resolve unsolved legacy crimes from the Troubles in Northern Ireland. A clear message should go out from this House that all parties need to step up to the plate when it comes to the devolved Government in Northern Ireland, because we need the Assembly in Northern Ireland to get up and running as a matter of absolute urgency. I know that talks are ongoing and I commend those who are engaging in those talks in a meaningful way. The Brexit deadline of 31 October is looming and there is a critical responsibility on all parties to provide Northern Ireland with political leadership and fill the current vacuum, which is not helping anyone on this island. It is certainly not helping citizens in Northern Ireland, who expect their political leaders to show leadership. Over the coming weeks, I hope we will see people taking responsibility, showing leadership, and making decisions to provide the type of politics and environment the people in Northern Ireland so richly deserve.