asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the changes in the non-jury Diplock courts which were discussed at the recent meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Non-Jury Diplock Courts.
39.
As the Deputy will be aware, it is not the practice to provide detailed information on confidential discussions within the conference.
The Deputy will see from the communiqué of the meeting of the conference on 25 March last that the conference agreed that the dreadful events of the weeks preceeding that meeting underlined the urgent need to give new impetus to its work on a programme of special measures to improve relations between the security forces and the community and to build confidence in the administration of justice. The conference decided that officials of the two Governments should draw up a new programme of work on this issue.
The communiqué of the meeting on 4 May stated that the conference reviewed work and issues bearing on ways of improving relations between the security forces and the community and of enhancing confidence in the administration of justice in Northern Ireland. It is envisaged that the conference will return to this matter at an early meeting.
Will the Taoiseach agree that, under the Anglo-Irish Agreement, both Governments are obligated to bring forward measures that would improve confidence in the administration of justice? Will he also agree that over the past few years the Irish Government have put forward the proposal of three judge Diplock courts to achieve part of the aim of improving confidence in the administration of justice, that the British Government have, in that period, rejected the suggestion but have failed to come forward so far with any alternative suggestion? Will the Taoiseach agree now that the proposal by the Irish Government for three judge Diplock courts should be again put on the table for serious discussion to achieve the objective of confidence in the administration of justice?
I would agree that the failure of the Anglo-Irish Conference to achieve any progress in regard to the Diplock courts is one of the causes of discouragement but I certainly foresee the whole matter of the courts coming up for discussion in the context of this new programme of work.
Will the Taoiseach again include in that discussion a proposal of three judge courts which I believe is the key to confidence?
Yes.
On a point of order, I would not like Foreign Affairs Questions today to pass without asking the Taoiseach to offer my best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Minister, Deputy Brian Lenihan.
Deputies
Hear, Hear.
I do not think that should be taken in any way as a reflection upon the quality of the replies the Taoiseach has offered to the House.
Does the House agree to proceed to deal with the Order of Business now as we are somewhat ahead of time?
I request that the House adjourn until 3.45 p.m.
Sitting suspended at 3.40 p.m. and resumed at 3.45 p.m.