Vol. 448 No. 3
1 Miss Harney asked the Taoiseach his Government's views on the continuation of punishment beatings in Northern Ireland; if he has made direct representations to Sinn Fein and other parties about this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1497/95]
The Government deplores all punishment beatings, from whatever quarter. I call upon those involved to put an end to this brutal activity, which has no part to play in the peace process in which we are all engaged.
As I indicated in the House last week, I have raised this issue directly with the Sinn Féin Leader, who has appealed for an end to punishment beatings, as have Mr. David Ervine of the Progressive Unionist Party and Mr. Gary McMichael of the Ulster Democratic Party. I believe we must all work closely together to bring an end to these violent attacks. The Government will continue to take a close interest in this matter and to use its influence, in whatever way it can, to bring about a complete halt to so-called punishment beatings.
Perhaps the Taoiseach will state if the Tánaiste insisted that all questions on Northern Ireland be transferred to him because I also had questions put down that were transfered? In the Taoiseach's meeting with Mr. Adams, did Mr. Adams express his condemnation of punishment beatings, not just appeal that they would end?
Who is in charge?
The questions put down related mostly to the framework document which is being negotiated——
Not true.
My questions did not relate to that.
——initially by the Tánaiste. That is the reason for the transfer. I have no problem answering questions about Northern Ireland——
Then the Taoiseach should answer them.
Let us hear the Taoiseach's reply without interruption.
——and will continue to do so but it is important to point out that the Tánaiste has responsibilities in this area also.
And the Taoiseach has none, obviously.
Deputy Cowen has very little anyway.
In relation to the question posed by Deputy Harney with regard to punishment beatings, Mr. Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin said on 21 November: "These so called beatings should stop. I am opposed to them, I have always been".
