Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Parades Commission.

Dick Spring

Question:

31 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself with the proposals of the British Government for the statutory implementation of the recommendations of the North Commission of Parades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17258/97]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

As I indicated in my public statement in response to the publication of the Bill, it represents a significant development in that it provides for the implementation of the recommendations of the North Review. I welcomed in particular the fact that sporting events have been clearly excluded from the proposed extension of the Commission's remit to consider other expression of cultural identity.

The Bill is now open for public debate and I am sure that it will generate a variety of views and proposals. As the Deputy is aware, successive Governments have put forward views and proposals on the parades issues to the British authorities through the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The views of the Government at the time were also made known directly to the Independent Review of Parades and Marches when it carried out its consultation exercise, the report of which forms the basis for the Parades Bill. Both Governments remain in ongoing consultation on this issue through the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental framework.

There are a number of aspects of the Bill about which we continue to convey our views and proposals to the British authorities. The exemption of sporting events from the extension of the Commission's remit to cover "other expressions of cultural identity" was critically important. However, the Government remains to be convinced about the need for this general extension. It has given rise to widespread concerns within the Nationalist community. The North report presented a clear and focused attempt to strike a balance between the rights of those who wish to march and the rights of the community through which they seek to march. That focus and that balance should be maintained as the essenital purpose of the Parades Commission.

Broadly speaking, we welcome the moves to establish on a statutory basis the Parades Commission with determining powers. Our views and proposals are intended to offer constructive comments on how best the operation of the commission can encourage the confidence of both communities in the fairness and impartiality of its operations.

No matter how exemplary its behaviour and judgments, the success of the Parades Commission in helping to resolve the parades issue will depend on the actions and intentions of those most directly involved in contentious parades and on the determination of the authorities to uphold the rule of law.

With goodwill and a commitment to reaching an agreed accommodation on contentious parades, Northern Ireland can be spared further repetitions of the trauma that has accompanied the marching season in recent years. Of overriding importance is the need to ensure the rule of law is seen at all times to prevail. The Government believes that avoiding another contentious marching season can best be done through local dialogue and agreement, based on mutual respect and the mutual accommodation of the respective rights and heritage of both traditions. I hope that the Parades Commission can make a real and meaningful contribution to that end.