Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:10 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach the contacts, if any, he has had since 6 October 1999 with the British Prime Minister. [19643/99]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
John Bruton
Question:11 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting in Dublin with the leadership of Sinn Féin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19704/99]
John Bruton
Question:12 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, when he attended the special European Council on Justice and Home Affairs in Finland on 15 and 16 October 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20333/99]
John Bruton
Question:13 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the written or oral communications, if any, he has had with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Peter Mandelson; the plans, if any, he has to meet with him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20336/99]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:14 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if has met or plans to meet the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Peter Mandelson; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20456/99]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:15 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the report, if any, he has received of any progress made in the two days of talks in London, chaired by Senator Mitchell, involving the Northern Ireland parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20458/99]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:16 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach the contacts, if any, he has had with the new British Secretary of State, Mr. Peter Mandelson. [20508/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 16, inclusive, together.
I maintain regular contact with Prime Minister Blair and I met him most recently on the margins of the Tampere Summit. We discussed the ongoing review of the Good Friday Agreement, taking place under the chairmanship of Senator Mitchell. The review is a complex and difficult process and I believe that it is best left to Senator Mitchell and the parties to continue their work, without assessment from outside the process. The coming week will be crucial. I continue to urge the parties participating in the review to make the supreme effort to overcome the outstanding obstacles to agreement. I have always acknowledged the contributions of the parties engaged in the process and I believe that these contributions should be built on and enhanced through the implementation of the Agreement. I also spoke with the Prime Minister on 5 October last, when I telephoned him to offer my condolences and the condolences of the Government and the people of Ireland, following the London rail disaster.
I met Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Féin, on 2 October last. Our discussions focused on the review and the achievement of a successful outcome.
I met the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Mandelson, yesterday. I congratulated the Secretary of State on his appointment and wished him well in his new role.