Vol. 476 No. 6
40 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his understanding of Sinn Féin's current position regarding the peace process; the last contact or communication he or his Department had with Sinn Féin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7823/97]
According to its president, Gerry Adams, in a speech delivered on 28 February, "Sinn Féin is unreservedly committed to negotiations, to democratic and inclusive dialogue as the only way of resolving conflict and securing a lasting peace." Sinn Féin is undoubtedly aware that the basic condition to be met before its participation in negotiation is an unequivocal restoration of the IRA ceasefire, and I hope that it will persuade the IRA that it must take this step.
I have had no meetings or other contact with Sinn Féin since the ending of the IRA ceasefire in February 1996. While officials in my Department had over the following 11 month period some subsequent meetings with Sinn Féin, as envisaged by the Government when it ended ministerial-level contact, I do not propose to depart from precedent by giving details of such contacts.
The present policy of the Government remains as set out by the Taoiseach to the House on 22 January 1997, namely, that "the official channel of communication can be used whenever the Government receive reliable assurances that an IRA ceasefire is attainable in a genuinely short-term horizon, and that previously identified and realistically attainable things need to be discussed at the meeting, and done, that will achieve that end. If such assurances are received, meetings can be arranged at very short notice. The sole purpose of any such meeting would be to end IRA violence, once and for all, and quickly."
41 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current Irish relationship with the British Government; the issues which are currently under active discussion; the issues, if any, on which there is disagreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7824/97]
The partnership between the Irish and British Governments, which is an essential foundation for progress towards a lasting settlement of the problem of Northern Ireland, remains close. We are in constant discussion on a wide range of issues, primarily through the machinery of the Anglo-Irish Agreement. For an indication of the views of the Governments on matters of current concern, I would refer the Deputy to the Joint Statement issued after the meeting of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 12 March.
42 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his assessment of the so-called confidence building measures for the peace process; his views on the serious, grave and deteriorating situation which prevails in the North of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7825/97]
The Government has consistently emphasised the importance of confidence-building measures as an intrinsic part of the peace process. Such measures constitute an important contribution to the development of trust which must underlie a genuine and lasting settlement in Northern Ireland. The issue of prisoners, to take one example, and their treatment generally plays a central role in building confidence within both communities. The Government has pursued confidence building measures in all their aspects with the British Government through the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference in accordance with the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
The Mitchell report also recognised that it was important for all participants to take steps to build confidence throughout the peace process. The report called not only for action by the two Governments but also for the termination of all paramilitary activities, including punishment beatings.
It has to be recognised that building confidence is a two way process. Prospects for the promotion of trust, confidence and reconciliation generally, would be immeasurably enhanced by an immediate and unequivocal restoration of an IRA ceasefire. The Government is concerned about the present situation in Northern Ireland. The recent murders of Stephen Restorick and John Slane must be condemned by all those who are committed to the peace process. I discussed the current security situation and confidence issues with the Secretary of State, Sir Patrick Mayhew, at the most recent meeting of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 12 March 1997. Among the matters addressed were the forthcoming marching season, policing, prisons issues and the new material emerging in relation to Bloody Sunday. I would refer the Deputy to the Joint Statement issued after that meeting.
