Taoiseach welcomes Sinn Féin move on Policing as an encouraging and significant development.

I warmly welcome the announcement by Sinn Féin this everning that it will hold an Ard Comhairle on poilicing tomorrow.

This is an encouraging and significant development.

I hope that this Ard Comhairle will agree the convening of a special Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in January that will definitely and positively decide on the policing issue.

This is vital if the St. Andrews timetable is to be maintained.

Inclusive support by all for policing and the rule of law is an essential part of the St. Andrews Agreement.

A resolution of the policing issue by Sinn Féin in January will greatly help to build confidence and clear the way to the restoration of the Executive in March.

(note: The Taoiseach spoke with Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams on the telephone this morning).

Ends.