Dermot Ahern
Question:61 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, made regarding the implementation of the Framework Document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19390/96]
Written Answers - Framework Document.
The Framework Document describes the shared understanding of the Irish and British Governments on the parameters of a possible outcome of the process of negotiations between the two Governments and the northern parties. While it is intended as an aid to negotiations and not as rigid blueprint to be imposed, both Governments believe it sets out a realistic, balanced and achievable framework for agreement.
On its publication in February 1995, both Governments offered the Framework Document for consideration and strongly commended it to the parties, the people in the island of Ireland and more widely. It has since then been widely read and debated in this House, at the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation and elsewhere.
The arrangements envisaged in the Framework Document can only be implemented if they are agreed in substantive all-party negotiations which arrive at a comprehensive settlement, based on consent, covering relationships within Northern Ireland, within the island of Ireland and between the peoples of these islands. The Government has been energetically working towards the convening of such negotiations since before the Framework Document was adopted, and it is our firm aim that they should be launched by the end of this month.
The Framework Document will form the basis of the Government's approach at all-party negotiations.