Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 2

Written Answers. - British-Irish Agreement.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

49 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislative or administrative obligations for his Department arising from the British-Irish Agreement; the progress, if any, in regard to these obligations; the timetable, if any, set for their implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15408/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Both I and my Department were closely involved in the process of negotiation leading to the Agreement reached in the multi-party talks on Good Friday. The contribution which the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform can make to the establishment of a lasting peace on the island of Ireland has accordingly been identified as a key high level goal in the Department's recently published strategy statement for the years 1998-2000. Giving effect to those elements of the Agreement for which the Department is responsible is also identified as an important objective for that period.

The provisions of the Agreement, and in particular those on rights, safeguards and equality of opportunity, decommissioning, security and prisoners as well as the outcome of the referendum on the Nineteenth Amendment of the Constitution, impose a range of significant legislative and administrative obligations on the Department. Work is already proceeding in my Department on taking forward the commitments made by the Government in the Agreement in these areas.

The necessary administrative arrangements, including making the necessary budgetary and personnel provision, are being put in place to enable the Department to fulfil these obligations. In addition a mechanism has been established to co-ordinate the work involved and to ensure that the targets which I have set, consistent with the terms of the Agreement, for this purpose are met. This work will be further assisted by the Department's participation in the interdepartmental steeling group of officials established by the Government to co-ordinate the implementation of the Agreement.

As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I will also participate in the work of the institutions established by the Agreement, as will the Department, when matters which fall within the remit of the Department are under consideration.