Vol. 491 No. 5
25 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, made in relation to the Government's examination of the potential for measures to meet the commitment in the Good Friday Agreement that it would take further steps to demonstrate its respect for the different traditions on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12496/98]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Dáil question, No. 103 of 14 May 1998, on the same subject.
As I mentioned on that occasion, the Government is fully committed to the full implementation of the multi-party Agreement which was signed on Good Friday. I regard the Government's commitment to demonstrate its continued respect for the different traditions on the island of Ireland as an important aspect of the Agreement. The Government is working actively to fulfil that commitment.
In this context, I have established an interdepartmental committee on the development of the Battle of the Boyne site. As I outlined in my reply of 14 May, the committee is making good progress and is working closely with local groups in the Boyne area. It is the hope of the Government that this project might be developed as part of the millennium programme.
I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the Government's commitment to contribute £150,000 towards the First World War memorial in Messines in Belgium.
The Government will continue to examine the potential for further measures in this area in its desire to promote a fully inclusive approach to the cultural heritage of the island of a whole. I would warmly welcome any constructive suggestions in this regard from Members of the House.
