Mary Harney
Question:1 Miss Harney asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the Alliance Party. [2665/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Meeting with Alliance Party.
The Tánaiste and I had a very constructive meeting on 3 February with an Alliance Party delegation comprising Dr. John Alderdice, Mr. Seamus Close and Mr. Seán Neeson.
This was the third in a series of meetings with Northern Ireland political parties. Developments in the peace process dominated our discussions. The Alliance delegation placed special emphasis on the early completion of the framework document as a basis for a process of political dialogue towards an agreed settlement. They are strongly supportive of all efforts in that regard.
I did not think the meeting was that short. Did the Alliance Party bring to the Taoiseach's attention the real fears that exist among members of the Unionist community, particularly following last week's leak?
Yes.
In relation to the two pound Semtex bomb placed outside a furniture shop in Newry last night, can I ask the Taoiseach——
The Deputy is raising a separate and distinct matter.
It is related to the ceasefire and what we are discussing.
The Deputy has a vivid imagination.
I am sorry, Sir, I have not because the purpose of the Taoiseach's meeting with the Alliance Party was to discuss the peace process and this has a bearing on it. Does the Taoiseach know who might have been involved in placing that bomb? Is he satisfied that the Provisional IRA was not involved?
I would much prefer a definite question on this matter; however, the Taoiseach may reply.
Obviously this matter was not discussed at my meeting with the Alliance Party because that meeting was held before the event to which the Deputy referred. I am not in a position to comment on the matter at this stage, but I hope to be informed about it as soon as possible.
Did the Taoiseach agree with the views expressed by the Alliance Party on its attitude to the publication of the framework document, namely, that it would be advisable to move swiftly towards publication rather than delaying it further?
There is no question of a delay in the publication of the framework document. Much progress has been made on the issues which remain to be dealt with. A few issues remain to be settled and they are being actively pursued at official level. The Tánaiste will meet Sir Patrick Mayhew again in the near future — I think on 14 February — and we expect to make continuous progress on the matter. I understand the concern of everybody, including the Alliance Party, that the framework document is concluded as soon as possible.
Is the Taoiseach concerned at the fact that based on last week's leaks a Unionist alliance is being formulated to object in advance to certain sections of the framework document? Would it not be better to give factual information to the people in Northern Ireland rather than have alliances established based on false information?
The idea of people and parties forming a bloc is particularly unhelpful. It is very important that parties on all sides of the traditional divide keep an open mind on the framework document until it is published. I have assured all concerned that from this Government's perspective — and I am confident the same applies to the British Government — it is intended to produce a balanced and fair document that will create circumstances in which people from both traditions in Northern Ireland feel at home in their communities and valued for their traditions and contribution to the future. The difficulty in regard to Northern Ireland is that in different senses both communities have not felt like that in the past; for one reason or another they have felt a sense of isolation. The purpose of the framework document is to create those conditions.
Did the Alliance Party express concern about the release of prisoners in the Republic?
To my recollection I do not believe they expressed particular concern in that regard. The Alliance Party indicated it is not in favour of a general amnesty for paramilitary prisoners, something which is not contemplated. However, it understands fully that the commitment of certain organisations to give up violence creates new conditions in which it may be necessary to objectively re-evaluate individual prisoners, the length of their sentences and the likelihood of them reoffending. That is what this Government has been doing.
The Fianna Fáil Leader, Deputy Leader and myself also attended the excellent meeting with members of the Alliance Party last Friday. In response to an earlier question from my party leader relating to the framework document, the Taoiseach placed great emphasis on the work being done by the Civil Service. Does he accept that the experts have done months and months of work and what is required at this stage is a political input at the highest level, namely, by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister? Does the Taoiseach agree that it is in everybody's interest that there should be an early meeting — not just a signing ceremony — to complete the negotiations? Will he take the initiative in organising such a meeting?
The factual position is that substantial progress was made at every meeting which took place between officials to date. The number of issues on which the sides are at variance has been reduced steadily by the officials who are extremely familiar with all the issues involved. I am satisfied with the progress they are making. I have, of course, maintained close contact with the British Prime Minister, I have spoken to him in the past week or so about the matter. Whenever I feel an intervention is necessary to move things forward. I will make it. The officials, particularly the Tánaiste, are handling this matter in a purposeful and effective manner.
Did the Alliance Party indicate that it is contemplating joining the combined Unionist alliance?
That matter did not arise at the meeting. It is most unlikely that it would have arisen because the suggestions made about arrangements between the two Unionist parties became public knowledge subsequent to the meeting with the Alliance Party.