Dick Spring
Question:99 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current position in the decommissioning issue arising from the all party talks. [8189/98]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Peace Process.
The Agreement reached in the multi-party negotiations recognises that a resolution of the decommissioning issue is an indispensable part of the process and commits the participants to the total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations. The participants have also confirmed their intention to work constructively and in good faith to achieve the decommissioning of all paramilitary arms within a period of two years following endorsement of the Agreement and in the context of the implementation of the overall settlement.
The Agreement also recognises the progress made by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning and the two Governments in developing workable schemes for decommissioning.
Both Governments have given a commitment to take all necessary steps to facilitate the decommissioning process to include bringing the relevant schemes into force by the end of June. In fulfilment of that commitment, I will make the necessary regulations and orders, under the Decommissioning Act, 1997, at the appropriate time. This will ensure that complementary schemes will be in place in both jurisdictions which will enable decommissioning to take place in both parts of Ireland. Both Governments will also ensure that the Commission will continue to receive whatever resources it requires in order to fulfil its mandate.
The Government has long stressed the importance of securing the decommissioning of illegally held arms in both jurisdictions and wants to see decommissioning achieved as quickly as possible. The Government also sees decommissioning as an essential part of the multi-party Agreement. Progress in this area will play a very important role in building up the trust which will be vital to ensuring the institutions and arrangements provided for in the Agreement can work effectively for the good of all the people of Ireland.