Speaking during Leaders Questions in the Dáil today the Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD today raised the issue of a border poll.

He expressed his disappointment at the Taoiseach's refusal to consider supporting a border poll at this time.

Mr. Adams said;"Partition has failed the people of this island. It is uneconomic, unjust and inefficient. Now is the right time for a debate on this issue in the context of rebuilding the economies on this island and beginning a process of dialogue and consultation around Irish unity.

"Yesterday the British Prime Minister David Cameron and the Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond agreed on a date for a referendum on Scottish independence.

"The British Union is now a live debating issue and the people of Scotland will have their say in 2014."

The Sinn Féin leader pointed out that under the Good Friday Agreement there is provision for a border poll.

He said;"There is an onus on the Irish government to prepare a strategy, a plan, in co-operation with others, and including a Green Paper on Irish unity, that has the Irish government take the lead on the issue of Irish unity, including the setting of a date for a border poll."

Welcoming the Taoiseach remarks in Cleveland last Friday in respect of a united Ireland Gerry Adams said this is "one of the great historic challenges facing the Irish people at the start of the 21st century."

"A united Ireland will only happen when those of those who believe that partition is a costly, inefficient, bureaucratic duplication of services on this island, persuade those who wish to retain the union, that Irish unity will be better for them and for their children.

"We have to demonstrate in practical ways why working as partners and living together as equals on this island is better."