Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Northern Ireland with particular reference to the full devolution of matters regarding policing and justice. [46863/09]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs when the devolution of policing and criminal justice matters in Northern Ireland will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46811/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 63 together.

As indicated in my response to Question No. 101 of 18 November, the Government continues to liaise closely with British Government counterparts to encourage the parties in Northern Ireland to complete the transfer of policing and justice powers as soon as possible. In this connection, my own contacts with Secretary of State Woodward, those between An Taoiseach and Prime Minister Brown, including the meeting in Downing Street on 30 November, and contacts at official level have all intensified over recent weeks with a view to assisting the parties in Northern Ireland to resolve the remaining few issues and advance the full implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements which remain the bedrock of peace and stability on these islands.

Relevant legislation to establish a devolved Department of Justice completed its passage through the Northern Ireland Assembly on 1 December and the First and deputy First Ministers have launched the process of identifying the future Minister for Justice. In addition, the significant financial package brokered by Prime Minister Brown continues to offer a secure basis for completion of the outstanding work. The two Governments remain determined in our ongoing efforts to support the early devolution of policing and justice powers and wider political progress in Northern Ireland.