I have two issues in regard to the programme for Government. First, on the subject of Northern Ireland and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement, it is important to acknowledge the excellently produced programme "The Disappeared" which was broadcast last night on RTE and BBC and which was an excellent example of public service broadcasting. It was a very sad programme to watch, harrowing in its detail and in the portrayal of the individual stories the programme dealt with. The families and friends of the disappeared deserve great credit for taking part in the programme, for their bravery and, indeed, for their perseverance in endeavouring to recover the bodies of their loved ones who remain unaccounted for. I put it to the Taoiseach that far more needs to be done to seek information for these families who still do not know where their loved ones are hidden or buried. It is also important to acknowledge that we have universal jurisdiction for murder and manslaughter committed by citizens on the island of Ireland in the context of the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act. The Good Friday Agreement, which the programme for Government-----

Where are we going here?

I will come to the legislation shortly. In terms of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement, we amended the Constitution, particularly at Article 29.8, where a new section was introduced stating: "The State may exercise extra-territorial jurisdiction in accordance with the generally recognised principles of international law." In that context, I ask that every effort be made to pursue the case of the murder of Jean McConville and that all involved should be in a position to co-operate fully and honestly with the Garda, as well as with the PSNI, so the remaining bodies can be located.

The programme for Government, on page 17, under the title "Victims Rights", states: "We will enact legislation to strengthen the rights of victims of crime and their families, to ensure that victims and their needs are at the heart of justice process and that rights to information, advice and other appropriate assistance are met effectively and efficiently." I would appreciate if the Taoiseach could indicate where lie the legislative proposals in regard to that commitment in the programme for Government. In particular, I ask if he would accept there is a crying need, in the context of last night's programme and the issues it revealed, to ensure that the victims and their needs are at the heart of what we do in this jurisdiction, particularly given that the body of Jean McConville was found in this jurisdiction and that crimes were committed within this jurisdiction which need to be pursued vigorously-----

Thank you, Deputy.

Will the Taoiseach update me in regard to the Government's proposals for legislation in this field and also on the level of co-operation between the Garda and the PSNI in regard to outstanding matters to do with the disappeared?

We will deal with the legislative matters.

I do not disagree with Deputy Martin. I happened to see the programme and it speaks for itself. The television shot of the mother with the hands speaks for itself in terms of Irishness, motherhood and the loss of loved ones. It is an important programme from the point of view of engagement with the independent commission that has been set up for information in respect of those who are still missing. I note the comments of the Deputy First Minister, Mr. McGuinness, in this regard. My understanding is that it appears as though those who are still missing are either in Meath or in Monaghan. It may well be that people out there do know or recollect these tragic incidents unfolding on their land or close to where they might have been. It is a long time ago but the hurt is obviously as palpable and as relevant now as it was then, so I share Deputy Martin's view.

On the Bill referred to by Deputy Martin, the Minister for Justice and Equality has met with members of the families of the disappeared. The Bill will probably be published in the second half of next year.

I want to raise three issues. The first is with regard to the commission for the recovery of the bodies of the disappeared. I saw the programme last night and I took part in the programme. I took part in the programme in order to try to focus on the necessary effort to get those whose remains have not been recovered retrieved as quickly as possible and returned to their families. I ask the Taoiseach to join with me in assisting very actively the work of the commission, which was established under the last Government. I worked very closely with the commission and will continue to work with it. The programme last night should be a huge motivation to anyone who has any information whatsoever to bring it forward.

Second, I want to raise the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act. The Government, under that tax Bill, is able to deduct family home tax or property tax directly from bank accounts. Does the Government also have the ability to automatically deduct other charges, such as water charges?

The Deputy is straying. That matter should be dealt with by means of a parliamentary question.