Jim O'Keeffe
Question:4 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in relation to the peace talks in Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Peace Talks.
Patrick McCartan
Question:10 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's response to the proposals by the SDLP to Strand One of the Northern Ireland talks, especially in regard to the establishment of an executive commission for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 10 together.
Discussions in strand one of the political talks are continuing. The Government expect that, in accordance with the terms of the statement delivered by the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the House of Commons on 26 March, the transition to strand two will take place in the near future.
Deputies will appreciate that, as the Government have not been a party to the strand one discussions, I am not in a position to comment on developments in that strand.
The Government are also obliged, under the terms of the statement of 26 March 1991, to maintain confidentiality in relation to the process. The recent breaching of this principle was greatly to be regretted. The Government have adhered strictly to the requirement for confidentiality on all matters relating to the process. We will continue to do so in the interest not least of a successful outcome to the talks.
Deputies will understand, therefore, if I am unable to comment on the proposals reportedly made by the SDLP. I hope they will also accept that, even if I were free to do so, it would not be appropriate to comment on the proposals of one party in isolation from those which may have been made by other participants in strand one.
Respecting the need for confidentiality in relation to the details of these talks I will steer away from any aspect of detail. But, on the broad front, would the Minister of State accept that, in relation to our approach to these talks, our attitude should be an open, generous and fair-minded one; that we should make that very clear to all the other parties with whom hopefully we will be having discussions in the near future? Would he accept that anything we can do of a positive nature that directly or indirectly would encourage the success of those talks should be done?
Certainly I would agree with the views expressed by the Deputy. I find at this stage the feeling is that there has been an honest attempt made all round to find a solution to this very delicate overall position. The Deputy and others in the House will be aware that, even as we speak here today, crucial talks are taking place. Therefore, I do not wish to enter into any further discussion on this matter at this time.
Would the Minister accept that there will be no solution found without compromise; that if history has taught us anything, those who are attempting to find a solution must compromise; that those who are really courageous in that attempt are those who are prepared to compromise rather than those who dig in and remain in an ideological straitjacket? From that point of view would he encourage all parties to be open and prepared to compromise in an effort to reach a solution and bring peace and reconciliation to this island?
Certainly I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Deputy, that it is in everybody's interests that these talks would succeed. No useful purpose would be served by making comments here. I contend that would be dangerous in view of the critical position obtaining, bearing in mind what I have already said — that I would prefer that we refrain from commenting on the position at present.