Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach. I believe that his recent remarks stating he believes we are on the path to unification and that there will be a united Ireland in his lifetime reflect the views of most of the people on this island. His attendance and speech at the Ireland's Future event in the 3Arena last year was a significant moment in the debate on constitutional change. There is, of course, a diversity of opinion on how a new Ireland is to be brought about, but there is broadly common purpose and common cause on this issue. Common cause is essential, especially on the need for a detailed discussion with those unionists who are prepared to take part in the debate. We also need new thinking about the type of new society that will legally guarantee the rights of the British and unionist population in a new Ireland. There is a gap between where we are now and where we need to get to, and the Taoiseach and the Government need to fill that gap with a thoughtful and worked-out plan that explores ideas, timelines and referendums for change. Those discussions need a setting and a framework, and that is why a citizens' assembly needs to be set up sooner than later.

Earlier this week, the law society in the North of Ireland postponed a conference, due to take place tomorrow, that was to discuss the British Government's legacy Bill of shame. It did so in response to a lobby by the relatives of those who had died in the conflict because a legacy Bill is an amnesty and a cover for the actions of the British Government's armed forces. Those same relatives and others of influence are calling on the Taoiseach and the Government to take an interstate action in the European Court of Human Rights against the British Government. An interstate action would be heard within months, while an action by a relative would take years to be heard. This is not just a legal and moral issue; it is a humanitarian one as well. Will the Government take such action?

Turning to housing, the figures for completions in the first half of the year are truly abysmal. Of the Government's target of 5,500 affordable homes, it had built just 123 by the end of June. Of its target of 9,100 new-build social homes, just 1,400 had been built. There is about as much chance of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage hitting his targets as there is for meaningful Seanad reform to happen in the lifetime of the Government. Indeed, when we reflect on the promises the Taoiseach made on Seanad reform, his real attitude to Seanad reform could be summed up by St. Thomas Aquinas: "Lord, make me in favour of Seanad reform, but not yet."