John Bruton
Question:45 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with the Leader of the British Liberal Democrat Party, Mr. Charles Kennedy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9597/00]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
John Bruton
Question:46 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting in Dublin on 31 March 2000 with the Leader of the UUP, Mr. David Trimble; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9724/00]
John Bruton
Question:47 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting in Dublin on 30 March 2000 with a delegation from Sinn Féin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9725/00]
Austin Currie
Question:48 Mr. Currie asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his most recent discussions with representatives of the republican movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9932/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 to 48, inclusive, together.
I met with Mr. Charles Kennedy, MP, leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Mr. Lembit Opik, MP, in Government Buildings on Tuesday, 28 March. We had a general discussion about the current political situation in Northern Ireland. I expressed my appreciation to them for the keen interest which they have shown in the process and I thanked them for their ongoing support for our efforts.
I met separately with Mr. Gerry Adams and with Mr. David Trimble on Friday, 31 March. The meetings were part of an intensification of engagement with the parties in order to overcome the current difficulties. In this regard, I will have further meetings this week with the Women's Coalition and the Progressive Unionist Party.