Michael Ferris
Question:92 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's views on the statement issued on 26 August 1999 by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the status of the IRA ceasefire. [17939/99]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
The two Governments worked in the closest consultation on the issue, and the Government shared the overall judgment of the Secretary of State that there was not "a sufficient basis to conclude" that the IRA ceasefire had broken down.
The Government is, of course, strongly of the opinion that every act of violence is abhorrent, wrong and to be unreservedly condemned.
The critical challenge now is to ensure that every kind of violence is put behind us for good. Ultimately, the best means by which this can be done is through the consolidation of the political process and, specifically, through the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in all its aspects.