Vol. 501 No. 1
23 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will elaborate on the points he made in a newspaper interview (details supplied) on 14 February 1999 regarding decommissioning; his views on whether the newspaper misrepresented his position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4754/99]
24 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, he has to meet Senator George Mitchell during his planned visit to the United States in March 1999; his views on whether Senator Mitchell could play a role in overcoming obstacles in the way of full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5046/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.
I dealt comprehensively in this House last week with all of the issues arising from my interview with the Sunday Times the weekend before last. I do not believe it would be the best use of Dáil time to run over the same ground again this week.
We are all extremely grateful for the engagement and support of the United States Administration throughout this process, including, of course, the key role played by Senator George Mitchell as talks chairman. President Clinton has made it clear that he himself remains available to help in any way he can, as opportunities offer. We are grateful for that assurance and we shall be alert to every opening for constructive involvement by the President of the United States, not least in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, it is vital that the two Governments and all of the parties to the agreement continue to work intensively to get over the current difficulties. As I have said previously, I believe that, if we all put our hearts and minds to it, we can make the necessary progress in the period immediately ahead.
The programme for my visit to the United States for the St. Patrick's Day period is being finalised. At present there are no plans in the programme for a formal meeting with Senator Mitchell but it is quite possible that, if he is in Washington, I shall have the pleasure of meeting the senator, who put so much time and effort into bringing about a peaceful accommodation in this island and to whom all of us owe so much.
