John Bruton
Question:1 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach his views on the practicality of suggestions of joint authority and responsibility for Northern Ireland between this State and the United Kingdom.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Talks.
John Bruton
Question:2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he has submitted any memorandum to the British Government setting out the precise amendments he wishes to see made to the Government of Ireland Act, 1920.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The Government's most immediate objective in relation to Northern Ireland is to achieve the earliest possible resumption of the three-strand talks process. This commitment reflects our belief that a durable peace can stem only from an equal accommodation between both traditions on this island. The talks process mirrors this, through its focus upon seeking to balance the many elements within and between the three relationships. The ultimate objective of the talks must be the establishment of political arrangements to which each tradition can give unequivocal allegiance. The eventual form of these arrangements is a matter for negotiation and agreement between all parties to the process and, thus, comment on any specific proposal would be inappropriate.
The Government attaches particular importance to the principle of confidentiality as enshrined in the agreed basis for the talks. Therefore, I do do not propose to comment on any specific aspect of the exchanges which may have taken place between the Government and other parties to the process.
Will the Taoiseach agree that the negotiations for peace and political progress in Northern Ireland are complicated and difficult enough already without people raising problems to which they are not able to propose a solution? Why then has the Taoiseach decided to put the Government of Ireland Act, 1920 on the table and make it an issue in these talks without saying what changes he wants to that Act? Does the Taoiseach want an end to the British connection or joint authority? If the Taoiseach cannot answer that question why is he raising this issue?
I am raising that question and many others because they are fundamental to the achievement of lasting and enduring peace in the North. If the Deputy does not see it that way, he is entitled to his view.
Does the Taoiseach consider it helpful for people in his position to raise issues and problems to which they do not propose a solution?
We are having a form of repetition.
The Deputy should be well aware that we do not deal with individual aspects of negotiations in the public arena as it is not conducive to good negotiation, to the finding of a peaceful formula or to the achievement of an agreement on an institutional framework to which both communities can give unequivocal allegiance. I am sure that, deep down, the Deputy appreciates that but, for other reasons, he may feel he has to ask questions.
I have no other reason for putting the question apart from wanting to understand why the Taoiseach has raised an issue, namely legislation that has been on the Statute Books since 1920, which he apparently wants to change although he is unable to say in what respect.
Questions should not lead to repetition, argument or debate now.
If the Deputy believes he can solve a problem without looking at its origins he is only fooling himself.
Is the Taoiseach aware that Sir Patrick Mayhew has indicated he intends to bring forward his own proposals in the foreseeable future? Will the Taoiseach outline why it is appropriate for the British Government to bring forward proposals in relation to the Northern Ireland problem while the Irish Government do not?
That is not true.
Of course, it is not true. The Government has its own ideas on how to approach talks——
I referred to proposals.
——and in fact its last two papers suggested ideas in relation to the fundamental issues and how we could approach them in a three strand talks process. We will proceed on that basis. I am aware that Sir Patrick Mayhew said that he intends to bring forward some type of British paper. I do not regard what he has said as a proposal to produce a blueprint. It is purely a paper with some ideas on which to kick-start the talks process on which I expect the Irish Government will be fully consulted.
(Limerick-East): In the context of the various meetings and discussions in recent times, was the Taoiseach informed or consulted prior to the meeting between Mr. Hume and Mr. Adams.
No.
We are straying into a separate area. I am calling Question No. 3.