Patrick D. Harte
Question:1 Mr. Harte asked the Taoiseach his views on the results of the survey conducted by the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation; and if he will make a statement on the findings of the survey. [10989/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forum Survey.
The survey in question was commissioned by the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation and thus, it is a matter which should properly be considered by all the participants there.
I believe that matters, such as those raised by the Forum survey, are likely to arise in the course of all-inclusive talks and naturally, the Government would give them the most careful consideration in that context.
Does the Taoiseach share the broadly held opinion that the Forum has served its purpose, that it is running out of energy and that the sooner it is brought to a conclusion the better for everyone?
I dealt with questions on that matter last week. The question the Deputy has put to me here today concerns a survey commissioned by the Forum. I will be more than happy to answer questions about the survey but I have already given an answer to the question in regard to the future of the Forum. I believe the Forum is doing valuable work and will continue to do so for some time to come. I understand that a drafting committee has been set up within the Forum to look at detailed issues on which agreement might be reached.
Everyone will acknowledge that the Forum has performed a useful purpose but the belief that it would, in time, attract the Unionist parties from Northern Ireland has been jettisoned; no one believes that any more. Does the Taoiseach share the view that the Forum, therefore, has no purpose if all parties on the island of Ireland cannot be brought together and that another kind of forum should be examined?
I do not. Significant elements of unionist opinion — with a small "u"— have appeared before the forum. The Churches representing almost all the relevant religious groups which normally support Unionism within Northern Ireland have presented carefully argued viewpoints to the Forum. It is important to recognise that the Forum brings together a much wider range of opinion, stretching from the Alliance Party which effectively supports the Union across to Sinn Féin, than, for example, the forum in the 1980s. There is a significant learning process to be undertaken by all the parties in coming to an understanding, if not a complete acceptance, of the views of those with whom they have traditionally had an antagonistic relationship. That is proving to be a very useful purpose of the Forum and is stimulated by the individual submissions made to it.
Does the Taoiseach agree that the single most important fact about public opinion, North and South, is that they value peace and want to see Governments and political parties make a real effort to overcome the obstacles and enter talks sooner rather than later?
That question was not posed specifically in the poll which concerns obstacles as seen north of the Border to better understanding with the South and obstacles as seen south of the Border to better understanding with the North. A wide spread of concerns are identified in the responses. I can give the Deputy more details but no doubt, as a member of the Forum, he has access to them. I do not think the construction he put on it can be put on the survey because that question was not asked, but he is correct when he says that people in Northern Ireland very much value peace and the absence of violence, want to see their politicians build on the peace process and move towards a greater understanding. This requires effort on all sides.