Phil Hogan
Question:13 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives under way to try to avoid a further Drumcree stand-off this July. [16927/00]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
The situation in Portadown is a cause of concern. This year the Portadown district lodge has made applications for parades along the Garvaghy Road on two consecutive Sundays – 2 July and 9 July.
The Government has maintained a consistent approach to the parades question based on mutual respect, dialogue, agreement and respect for the law, including the rights of local communities. We have stressed that the resolution of contentious parades lies through dialogue and local agreement. However, no agreed and mutually-acceptable solution has yet been found to the Drumcree dispute.
An initiative has recently begun which is being facilitated by Brian Currin, a South African lawyer with a background in mediation and joint chair of the Sentence Review Commission in Northern Ireland. He has been appointed by the parties to the Drumcree dispute as an independent and impartial mediator. I understand that this process is looking at the broader issues surrounding the problem with a view to a possible resolution in the longer term. At this stage, Mr. Currin is working with the parties in drawing up an agreed mediation process. This initiative is to be welcomed. We would encourage all those involved to work with Mr. Currin in the period ahead.
As I said, this initiative is at an early stage and I believe it would be unwise for any of us to burden it with undue expectations or pressures.
The situation on the Garvaghy Road will, of course, continue to be monitored closely by officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs over the coming weeks. The Government will maintain contact with the British Government on the issue through the framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.