Taoiseach Bertie Ahern expressed hope Sinn Féin's consideration of the policing issue in the North would be completed soon.
"I understand that Sinn Féin is following a process, which was explained to me, and I hope that process will be completed sooner rather than later." He added that it was a matter for Sinn Féin and not his responsibility. But a working executive could not be established in March unless the pledge on policing was signed, and that signing would require Sinn Féin to make a decision.
Mr Ahern was replying to Martin Ferris (SF, Kerry North) who asked Mr Ahern if he accepted that the policing issue was one for all the parties, not only Sinn Féin, and that the DUP and the British government had to endorse a system that was accountable, under democratic control and left behind the sectarianism and repressive legacy of the past.
The Taoiseach said he was aware of the difficulties surrounding MI5, which had been raised by Sinn Féin and other parties.
"We have been endeavouring to find a resolution to these and, in fairness to prime minister Blair, he is personally and directly engaged in trying to restore the issue . . . Sinn Féin and the SDLP have raised the issue, Deputy Ferris has expressed his views on it and we have been supportive in seeking resolution."
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said chancellor Gordon Brown had promised €50 billion over the next 10 years, assuming the parties agreed to restoring the Assembly, which everybody would support. He asked when the Government would make known its commitment to financial backing in that regard.
Mr Ahern said he had urged the Northern political parties to revive powersharing so the people of the North could benefit from the increased investment.
"We have already helped with a number of projects, including the Ulster Canal, the development of Derry Airport and improvements in the Belfast road, much of the work on which was undertaken by our engineers.
"We are examining ways of contributing to the peace process with infrastructural projects in other Border areas."
