Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 161: To ask the Taoiseach the position regarding the Northern Ireland talks. [9115/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Last October, the two Governments published the St Andrews Agreement. This Agreement is built on the twin pillars of power sharing and support for policing. It contains an explicit timetable leading to the restoration of the power sharing Executive on 26 March.

Since St Andrews, we have seen welcome progress on policing. The landmark decision by Sinn Féin opens up the prospect for the first time of inclusive policing across the entire community in Northern Ireland. With all-party support for policing, we also need all-party support for an inclusive power-sharing government.

Today's election is being held for the explicit purposes of endorsing the St Andrews Agreement and of electing an Assembly that will form a power-sharing Executive on 26 March in accordance with that Agreement and timeframe.

If the Assembly fails to elect a power-sharing Executive by 26 March, then it will be dissolved. The Governments have made it clear that, in these circumstances, we will proceed to implement the Good Friday Agreement through new partnership arrangements.

After four years of suspension, the people of Northern Ireland are entitled to see devolved government restored and their elected representatives working actively and openly for them in a fully restored Assembly and shared government. We need to see all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement, including the North/South structures, fully honoured and implemented.