Vol. 459 No. 5
18 Ms O'Donnell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when the body which will explore the decommissioning of arms announced by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister on 28 November 1995, will commence work; its membership and staff; the locations of its offices; and the venue where it will hold its meetings. [18345/95]
The international body is chaired by Senator George Mitchell of the United States and its other members are Mr. Harri Holkeri, the former Finnish Prime Minister, and General John de Chastelain, the Canadian Chief of Defence Staff. The arrangements in regard to the staffing of the body are for discussion between it and the two Governments.
I understand that the body has already begun its work by inviting submissions from all political parties on the island. Office accommodation has been made available by the two Governments in Dublin and Belfast. The Dublin office will be situated in the Dublin Castle complex.
As the body is independent and will determine its own procedures it is for it to decide where it meetings will be held.
