Earlier, we welcomed some of the residents from the Garvaghy Road. It is a very difficult time for them. People are shocked at the prospect of an Orange Order march being forced down the Garvaghy Road this Sunday. I was a teenager when the Orange Order attempted to force marches down the Garvaghy Road many years ago. I remember the images of the fear that was created in that community - the stand-off, the riots and the violence that happened afterwards. Things have moved on so much and thank God they have but it is utter madness that anyone would try to drag us back there.

For 28 years, this community has lived in peace, free from unwanted Orange Order marches being forced through their community. That progress must be protected. Can the Tánaiste tell the Dáil today what engagement the Government will have with the British Government? Will he join with me in expressing support for the Garvaghy Road community and the right to live free from fear and intimidation?

Hear, hear.

I thank the Deputy. I spoke with his party leader on this issue yesterday. I am very much aware of the concerns of residents in the area. I too remember the scenes on our television screens and the likes of the real, painful, traumatic and extraordinarily upsetting and divisive scenes that community lived through and experienced. I am also conscious that we are all working for a better future for this island and a shared island and shared future and, I hope, ultimately, a unified island as well. I need to be mindful in the position I occupy of the independence of the work and role of the Parades Commission and the need for it to be allowed to do its work. I assure the Deputy and the residents that Government officials here are monitoring the situation closely. We have asked our joint secretariat in Belfast to keep us informed of developments. I am pleased the residents of the Garvaghy Road are here with us today.