The appalling murder of the prison officer, Mr. David Black, comes after continued monitoring of the activities of dissident republicans in Northern Ireland. In recent days we have seen protests outside PSNI headquarters by several senior members of Sinn Féin and members of the INLA regarding concerns about politically motivated arrests. Is it not time, in these circumstances, for a debate in this House on Northern Ireland, with a particular emphasis on policing? It would be very disturbing if senior members of Sinn Féin, who are members of the policing board, have no trust in the PSNI to carry out its duties-----

I suggest that the Deputy raise this matter with the Whips.

-----particularly given that its investigation involved the murder of a man in 2005, seven years after the Irish people took ownership of the situation in this country in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. Can we have a substantial debate on the issue of policing and the general upsurge in dissident violence in the North?

Will the Taoiseach indicate whether this proposal can be referred to the Whips?

Yes. We have no objection to such a debate.

I am happy to have a member of Sinn Féin brief Teachta Kelleher on issues in the North. We can keep him very much up to date.

I could brief Deputy Adams on a few issues down here.

I totally support the protest the other day at PSNI headquarters-----