Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:17 Mr. O'Malley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's views on the decommissioning of arms by paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland. [15115/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arms Decommissioning.
Ivor Callely
Question:33 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Sinn Féin and the IRA have now clearly demonstrated their respect for the democratic process; his further views on whether Sinn Féin should be invited to all-party talks in view of the enhanced prospects since the cessation of violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15088/95]
Ivor Callely
Question:67 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the likely timetable for all-party talks; if he supports the view that such talks should take place as soon as possible and before the second anniversary of the Joint Declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15155/95]
Ivor Callely
Question:68 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the longterm commitment by the paramilitaries in view of their proven positions since the cessation of violence; the Irish Government's preconditions prior to the commencement of all-party talks; the reason for such preconditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15156/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 33, 67 and 68 together.
The Government's consistent objective has been to secure the total decommissioning of all illegally-held weapons and explosives. The question is how this essential objective of removing all arms from the equation is to be achieved. It is our considered view that this goal is, regrettably, unlikely to be attained other than within the dynamic of a negotiating process. At the same time, we fully understand the real fears and anxieties which surround the issue, and the absence of trust which it generates.
For that reason we have advocated a "twin-track" solution to the present statement, and this approach is now being constructively explored by the various parties. It envisages that an international body would make an evaluation of the arms issue, hopefully in a way that eased some of the fears to which I referred. At the same time the Governments would jointly launch an intensive effort to lay the groundwork for the earliest possible start to the round-table negotiations which are essential if the peace process is to be underpinned by an agreed political settlement.
It is of course crucial that such negotiations take place exclusively on the basis of democratic values, and without recourse to threats of violence by any of the participants. Beyond this key requirement, and the obvious need for a generally acceptable basis and format for talks, the Irish Government has no requirements of its own to put forward and we would not wish to set preconditions for talks.
This Government and the previous one has consistently taken the view since the cessations of violence last year that Sinn Féin and the loyalist parties have met the criteria for entry to full political dialogue. The sustained observance of the IRA ceasefire since August 1994 makes its own significant point in that respect. The President of Sinn Féin has a made a number of statements, including joint statements with the Irish Government, confirming his party's commitment to exclusively peaceful and democratic means. Nevertheless, I am aware that others do not fully share our confidence, and for that reason I welcome all efforts by Sinn Féin, and by the PUP and the UDP, to respond meaningfully to the anxieties expressed. Mr. Adams's statement of 9 October represented a welcome and constructive attempt to offer further assurances regarding his party's intentions.
Is it the present position that the Government is sponsoring a new approach in which a solemn declaration might be substituted for actual physical decommissioning?
The Deputy will have been aware from questions answered by the Taoiseach earlier that a very satisfactory meeting took place in Belfast yesterday between myself and the Minister for Justice and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and his colleagues. The Secretary of State and I were in agreement that the twin-track approach offered the best way out of present difficulties. We reviewed the various discussions on how the details of such an approach could be worked out to the satisfaction of all concerned. Our hope is that an international body could take an objective and creative look at the arms issue and how the deficits of trust associated with it could be made good.
If this exercise it to be meaningful, the results of the work of the body must be examined in an open-minded way and on its merits without any attempt to pre-empt it. The Secretary of State made clear to me that this was the approach of the British Government and I welcome that. All-party talks have been the consistent goal of both Governments. It would not be either appropriate or accurate to speak at this stage of any shifts in policy or otherwise in our joint efforts to remove the obstacles in the way of that goal.
The question I asked has not been answered. I asked the Tánaiste to tell us if this is a new approach in which what is envisaged is some form of solemn declaration rather than any actual physical decommissioning. Is this the approach of the British Government and is the Tánaiste aware of the statement this morning, as reported at lunch time, of the Minister of State in the North, Mr. Ancram, who seemed to suggest that whatever interpretations were put on yesterday's meeting, the views of the British Government had not changed?
I have not heard any statements today as I have been engaged in other matters in my office. On the question of interpretation, the Secretary of State gave a press conference after the meeting, as I did, and one can take what was said by both the Secretary of State and myself, which was absolutely consistent. We have been working with the British Government over a number of months to resolve the present impasse and to move as rapidly as possible to the launch of all-party talks. We set out yesterday that the considered views of both Governments would be to get on to a twin-track approach, establish the international body or commission to examine the question of the decommissioning of arms and get the parties into either bilateral or trilateral talks with the Governments in relation to setting the agenda for all-party talks at the negotiating table. That is the approach and, as the Taoiseach said, there is reason for optimism. There is now a prospect that the impasse which has held up this process for a number of months can be broken and we should all do our utmost to ensure that happens.
I suppose there is little point in my repeating the question for the third time. The fact that it has not been answered has its own message. Will the Minister state if the imminent visit of President Clinton at the end of November is seen as a time constraint in regard to these discussions? Is it proposed that the twin-track approach will be in operation before President Clinton arrives in Ireland? Can he give some indication of whether any agreement has been reached, even provisionally, on the structure of the decommissioning commission or other arrangement and who might constitute its membership?
Deputy O'Malley, who is a very experienced Member of the House, will appreciate the complexities involved in terms of bringing all the parties into the framework set out yesterday and negotiations will take place to ensure that we are successful in that regard. He will also appreciate the sensitivities involved and will have seen the statements made by various parties, some of whom have expressed objections to the framework and others who have welcomed it. That has been one of the difficulties in dealing with the situation in Northern Ireland over the years. Deputies will appreciate that it is probably wiser at this stage not to engage in wide-ranging debate in this House until we can bring all the parties with us. I trust the Deputies will appreciate the reasons I say that.
President Clinton's visit to Ireland at the end of November is obviously very important. The United States has played and continues to play a very constructive role in reaching out to all the parties in Northern Ireland in an even handed way. The impasse on the twin track approach which has gone on for several months has not been healthy and I hope these matters can be resolved before President Clinton arrives in Ireland. The time and effort spent by him and his administration in trying to secure economic development and political co-operation in Northern Ireland have been beyond the call of duty.
Hear, hear.
Mr. Callely rose.
I very much regret that I cannot call the Deputy as we are dealing with questions nominated for priority.
Two of the three questions are in my name.
The position under Standing Orders is that I may not call you.
Is this what is meant by transparency and accountability?
It is the rule of the House.
That concludes questions for today.