John Bruton
Question:9 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with representatives of political parties from Macedonia. [14828/98]
Ceisteanna — Questions. - Northern Ireland Peace Process.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:10 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the discussions, if any, he has had with other EU leaders on the British-Irish Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/98]
John Bruton
Question:11 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach whether the Government has sought or been granted legal representation before the Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday. [14950/98]
John Bruton
Question:12 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the representations, if any, he has received in relation to the efforts of the Saville Inquiry to limit the legal representation of the Bloody Sunday relatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14951/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 to 12, inclusive, together.
Last week I met representatives of various political parties from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. They are in Ireland to learn about the peace process and to determine what conflict resolution measures might be learned from us. I briefed them on the multi-party negotiations that led to the British-Irish Agreement and on the role played by the Irish Government.
Since the British-Irish Agreement, in addition to my meetings with the Prime Minister Mr. Blair, I have had bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Lipponen of Finland, Prime Minister Aznar of Spain, Chancellor Klima of Austria and Prime Minister Guterres of Portugal. While these meetings were predominantly taken up with the broader European agenda, I took the opportunity at each of them to brief the leaders in question on developments in Northern Ireland and on the British-Irish Agreement.
I hosted a reception for the relatives of the victims of Bloody Sunday last Thursday week. They were visiting Government Buildings for the first time since the announcement of the inquiry. They raised some concerns they had about the new inquiry, including the issue of representation, and I promised to continue our efforts to resolve the outstanding issues and to support the efforts of the families to establish the truth about the events of that day. As well as keeping in touch with representatives of the families, the Government will take a keen interest in the tribunal and will closely monitor its proceedings, although it is not proposed that the Government would be represented at it.
The Saville Inquiry has announced that it proposes to hold a public hearing in the Guildhall in Derry on 20 July to help resolve the question of representation. The Government will continue to monitor this issue closely and will assist the relatives to help ensure that they can approach the tribunal with confidence.
I thank the Taoiseach for his comprehensive reply. On the question to which the substance of his response was devoted, did I hear him say that while the Government would help the families of the victims of Bloody Sunday, it would not seek legal representation of behalf of the Government but that assistance to the representatives of the families would possibly consist of financial assistance towards legal costs or the nomination of legal people? Perhaps the Taoiseach might elaborate because all Opposition parties have received copies of the concerns expressed by the representatives of that group and we are concerned that the matter be handled. Does the Taoiseach agree there seems to be a slight breach of faith in relation to the spirit of generosity in which the inquiry was offered in the first instance and the terms of reference being set up by that inquiry?
The concerns of the victims, their family members and legal representatives were that they would not have adequate legal representation. Preliminary comments suggested there would be one senior counsel, one junior counsel and a firm of solicitors. That was put to me. As the relatives put it, they faced the might of the British legal system. They did not purport to seek a legal team for each of the victims relatives, although there may have been a feeling that is what they sought. They had a lengthy meeting with officials and I also met them last Thursday week. The Department of Foreign Affairs and the senior official, who has dealt with the inquiry and the case for it, met inquiry officials last Friday. That meeting was reported to me as being positive. The officials emphasised the need to reassure the relatives. The view is that the officials have accepted their concern. The official reported that Lord Saville is determined that the tribunal will not be seen as a creature either of the Ministry of Defence or of the relatives but will be totally independent. While the issue of representation will be dealt with at the public hearing on 20 July, the official reported to me that the tribunal team had a far better understanding now of the relatives' position. It is hoped that a reasonable attitude will be adopted. Certainly, if it was the case that the entire group of relatives had only limited representation that would be unsatisfactory given what they are up against.
What about the question of costs?
In the normal course of events that should be covered by the tribunal. At this stage it is not an issue. We will take a close interest but will not be legally represented.
Does the Taoiseach think the relatives should have legal representation at this inquiry and, if so — and he appears to say they should have some limited representation — will be make his views known to Mr. Tony Blair? This would help the relatives to feel they are a part of this inquiry and ensure when it completes its work there is not another troublesome period ahead when relatives consider they have not been properly represented. The Taoiseach said the Government will not seek legal representation before the inquiry. What will happen the report which the previous Government prepared on Bloody Sunday? Will it be part of the examination by this inquiry? Is it likely that members of the Government will be questioned about that report and that he may need legal representation?
The Deputy will recall that the report prepared by the previous Government, for which I gave credit in the House at the time, was a major part of the basis for my pressing Mr. Tony Blair and his agreeing to proceed with the tribunal. His was a brave decision because it was known that it would not necessarily have been the response of many of the Establishment on the matter. On representation, there is no question but that the relatives have to be represented by strong teams. All I said was that there does not have to be a separate legal team for every relative. They will combine their efforts. That is the wish of the relatives though there was some confusion about that matter. Lord Saville wishes to be independent and to make sure this matter is dealt with properly. The British Department and legal side know precisely what the Irish Government want. It is now a question of convincing the inquiry officials. The Irish Government has made direct representations through the senior official who has dealt with the issue of Bloody Sunday all the way through. A senior official was also involved in the preparation of the report over the last two years or so. I hope the issue can be resolved on 20 July. I have already said publicly, it is important that the issue of representation be dealt with at the public hearing on 20 July.
On the Taoiseach's meeting with the representatives of political parties in Macedonia, will he clarify whether at that meeting any requests for assistance from Ireland were made by that group and whether the Taoiseach was able to give any commitment on assistance whether financial or by way of staffing or training to that group?
No, they did not ask for any particular assistance. They had an Irish representative, a person who formerly worked with the Deputy's party, a respected official, assisting them. I stated to that official that we would give whatever help or assistance we could along the way. We assisted in the organisation of their trip here, but nothing else.