The Government raised the events which occurred on the Lower Ormeau Road on both 12 July 1995 and 12 August 1995 with the British Government through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Conference. We restated our guiding principle that parades should not take place in an area, or along a route, where they are not welcome. The British Government has advised us that an inquiry is currently taking place into the events of 12 August. We will consider the results of this inquiry as soon as they are available.
The manner of the policing of parades is one that is raised on an ongoing basis with the British authorities through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. At yesterday's meeting of the conference, we conducted an extensive review of the marching season and I again raised my concern about the handling of certain parades. I shall keep this matter under constant review in the context of our ongoing contacts with the British Government in the framework of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.