I propose to take Questions Nos. 961 to 973, inclusive, together.
The recommendations of the Patten Report relevant to co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland are being pursued. In particular I draw the Deputy's attention to the joint timetable agreed by the Irish and British Governments and published in December 2001 for the implementation of recommendations concerning North-South co-operation on policing matters, lateral entry and secondment.
I would, furthermore, add that an inter-governmental agreement regarding the implementation of recommendations on co-operation between the two police services contained in the Patten Report is being drafted and is due to be finalised shortly. This will come before the Dáil in due course.
As regards the other recommendations contained in the report, a number of which have been referred to by the Deputy, the position is that these recommendations were made in the context of political and policing circumstances unique to Northern Ireland. Notwithstanding this my Department will, of course, keep the recommendations contained in the report in mind, together with other relevant research and findings, in the ongoing development of policing policy in this jurisdiction.