Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 7

Written Answers. - US Role in Peace Process.

Peadar Clohessy

Question:

23 Mr. Clohessy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the significance of the ongoing role of the US administration in the attempts to move the peace process onto comprehensive all-Party talks. [2644/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

We are deeply appreciative of the support, goodwill and commitment shown by the US Administration in their ongoing efforts to move the peace process forward. This support has been, at all stages in the peace process, generous and impartially available to all sides on an inclusive basis.

From the outset I have tried to ensure both directly and through our Embassy in Washington that the President and his advisers are kept up to date on the situation in Northern Ireland. The National Security Adviser Tony Lake and Deputy National Security Adviser Nancy Soderberg who are in regular contact with all of the political leaders involved in the peace process, have played an important role in the efforts of President Clinton and his administration to be a resource and a support for both Governments in their search for political progress. President Clinton's highly successful visit to Ireland last November brought the groundswell demand for peace from both communities into sharp focus, and sent an important message to all of the parties concerned that the public wishes them to co-operate to secure political progress. We are also grateful to President Clinton for enabling the appointment of Senator George Mitchell as chairman of the International Body on Decommissioning. The Mitchell report with its shrewd analysis and challenging conclusions provides an excellent road map for all parties to adhere to.

We are very appreciative of the economic dimension of US support. Their generous contributions to the International Fund for Ireland total 250 million dollars to date. The personal initiative of President Clinton in hosting last year's White House Conference on Trade and Investment in Ireland, under the expert chairmanship of Senator Mitchell is a further tangible expression of US support and goodwill.

I had the opportunity to meet President Clinton, Vice-President Gore, and National Security Adviser, Tony Lake and to further brief them on recent developments in Northern Ireland when I visited Washington last month. My meetings there were very productive and I believe has significantly advanced the prospects for talks, I was shocked and horrified to learn as I was actually flying over the Atlantic that the IRA had broken the ceasefire and had exploded a bomb in London.

Since my visit to Washington the US Administration have continued to act as a powerful resource in the lead up to the communiqué of the 28 February. The Taoiseach spoke to President Clinton and I have had direct contact with National Security Adviser Lake.

The Taoiseach will be in Washington DC from 13 to 15 March and will have further opportunities to engage directly with President Clinton and his Administration.