Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 1997

Vol. 475 No. 1

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Peace Process.

Ray Burke

Question:

87 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's reaction to the discovery of a 1,500 lb. IRA bomb on the outskirts of Strabane on 10 February 1997; and the steps, if any, being taken by the Government to advance the peace process in view of the discovery and the IRA statement on 8 February 1997 that there was no immediate prospect of a renewed ceasefire. [4415/97]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Government has made clear at all times that we unreservedly condemn all acts of, and attempts at, paramilitary violence, from whatever source, including the bomb found at Strabane. The murder at Bessbrook on 12 February of Lance Bombardier Stephen Restorick is a further grim confirmation of the IRA's reckless willingness to escalate violence. Its continuing resort to violence gravely damages trust and delays reconciliation still further; it is morally reprehensible, politically misguided and utterly counterproductive.

Our position in regard to the full participation of Sinn Féin in political negotiations has also been made clear on many occasions. It is dependent on the credible and unequivocal restoration by the IRA of its ceasefire, and the subsequent formal acceptance by Sinn Féin of the Mitchell Principles. As we have repeatedly said, the restoration of the ceasefire would be welcome from every point of view and is the only means by which the republican movement's stated objectives of a fully inclusive talks process leading to a negotiated accommodation can possibly be achieved. However, it us up to the IRA itself to take this step. Naturally we would encourage all efforts to persuade it to do so.

As the Taoiseach has made clear, the official level channel of communication to Sinn Féin remains open. It can be activated at very short notice once the Government receives reliable assurances from that party that an IRA ceasefire is actually within sight and that identified and attainable things need to be discussed and done to achieve that end.

In the meantime, we are continuing to work with the British Government and the parties participating in the multi-party negotiations, under the able guidance of the independent chairmen, towards the launch of substantive three-stranded negotiations. While we continue to believe that inclusive negotiations against a background of peace would be the optimum circumstances for the search for a lasting political agreement on the island, we are determined that no individual party should have a veto on progress and will use the present negotiations to the fullest possible extent in pursuit of this goal.