Jim O'Keeffe
Question:1 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Taoiseach if he has any proposals to visit Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potential Visit to Northern Ireland.
In the course of a reply to Parliamentary Questions on 27 April 1993, I reported on my visit to Derry on 16 April. I have no immediate plans at this stage for a further visit to Northern Ireland.
Does the Taoiseach agree that there is a need to break the political logjam on the question of Northern Ireland talks and that a new initiative is needed to break that political logjam? In that context, would he accept that a visit by him to the region and his meeting there with members of political leaders of both communities might be the springboard which would lead to a new approach and a restart to the Northern Ireland talks?
I agree that there is need to break the logjam in trying to get all parties back to the table. The expectation at this stage is that the British Prime Minister and the Secretary of State, Sir Patrick Mayhew, will be successful in their efforts to resume the talks by the autumn.
I join with the Taoiseach in his hope and expectation that the British Prime Minister, Mr. Major, and the Secretary of State will be successful in their efforts but does he not accept that it would be useful if he, as the political leader in the Republic, was also trying to help break that political logjam? Would the Taoiseach not agree also that the cycle of violence on the part of both the IRA and the UDA is positively alarming and calls for a gesture on his part to assist the efforts of the UK in getting those talks under way?
I continue to use every effort possible, both behind the scenes and otherwise, to try to get both communities to see the sense of returning to the table and that the road to violence is the road to nowhere. I will continue my efforts in that regard.
Would the Taoiseach agree that he should take the opportunity of a visit to Northern Ireland to impress on the British authorities and, in particular, on the RUC, the wisdom of the policy of the Irish Government of having no contact, let alone negotiation, with paramilitary organisations or their political fronts?
Let us ensure that this does not become a general debate on Northern Ireland. The question tabled is very specific——
You allowed Deputy O'Keeffe's question.
——and policy matter should not arise.
You allowed Deputy O'Keeffe's question.
I did indeed but I am concerned about entering into a debate on Northern Ireland.
May I put my question again, without interruption this time? Would the Taoiseach agree that he should take the opportunity of a visit to Northern Ireland to impress on the British authorities and, in particular, on the RUC, the wisdom of the policy of successive Irish Governments that there should be no contact or negotiation with paramilitary organisations or their political fronts?
This Government's position in relation to that aspect of policy, as mentioned by Deputy Bruton, is well known to the British Government, to the Secretary of State and, indeed, to the RUC.
Can the Taoiseach indicate to the House whether his Government believe that the talks will recommence on the basis of the three stranded approach which has been the approach to date? Can he indicate also his view, or whether he intends to express a view, in relation to the joint sovereignty proposals which appear to be emerging and which, in my view, would create an appalling vista for the people of Northern Ireland?
The expectation is that when the talks resume they will be on a three stranded basis, and that is accepted by the British Prime Minister and by the Secretary of State. The proposal by the Labour Party spokesman in the UK in relation to joint sovereignty is a matter for debate with the British Labour Party.