Gay Mitchell
Question:1 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. [16901/00]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Northern Ireland Issues.
On 5 May the Irish and British Governments issued a statement expressing our belief that the remaining steps necessary to secure full implementation of the Agreement can be achieved by June 2001. A letter setting out the Governments' proposals and commitments in the areas of rights and equality, security, policing and justice and prisoners was also circulated to the parties. This was an important step towards creating a context of confidence in which others could make their intentions known. It paved the way for the statement issued by the IRA on 6 May and for the decision to re-enter the Executive taken by the Ulster Unionist Council on 27 May. The restoration order signed by the Secretary of State returning power to the Assembly and Executive entered into force on 30 May. All the institutions under the Agreement are now back working to their full capacity, taking forward the important work to be done in each of their respective areas of competence.
As a result of these developments we are now closer than ever before to achieving full implementation of the Agreement and have a secure and agreed basis on which it is to be achieved. There are difficult issues which remain to be addressed.
Legislation to give effect to the Patten proposals on policing is before Parliament at Westminster. When it was published last month I expressed concern about certain aspects of the Bill. In discussions with the British Government, including in my meeting with the Secretary of State on 31 May, and in consultations with the parties I have stressed that if it is to achieve the representative, accountable and effective police service envisaged in the Agreement it is vitally important that the legislation give full effect to the Patten recommendations.
Progress must also be made on the question of arms. The IRA's statement of 6 May was a major step forward. It is important that the commitments made in the statement are honoured. I look forward to an early report from Mr. Ahtisaari and Mr. Ramaphosa on the proposed confidence building measure. The de Chastelain commission will continue its work and will report to the two Governments.
We have made solid progress in recent weeks. I hope we will be able to build steadily on that progress, realising the Agreement's full potential. As I have said before, the full implementation of the Agreement is the will of the people of Ireland, North and South. It remains the highest priority of the Government. We will continue to work in close partnership with the British Government and pro-Agreement parties to secure that outcome.
What are the Minister's concerns about the Patten proposals? I am aware that he has made general comments in the past but will he be specific? Is he concerned about the naming of the police force, symbols and accountability or all three? On accountability for the RUC and its successor, the Northern Ireland Police Service, given that the Human Rights Commission in the North will be followed by a similar commission in the South, does he see moves in the direction of greater accountability for the Garda Síochána along the lines of the new Northern Ireland Police Service as a quid pro quo or complementary?
It is important to make the distinction that the Garda Síochána enjoys the full confi dence of everybody in the community. That is not the position unfortunately in the case of the RUC. The Patten proposals suggest a new model for policing in Northern Ireland distinct from the system in operation in any other part of the United Kingdom where the chief constable is the focus of authority in local constabularies. Under the new model, authority would be vested in a policing board representative of both communities. It would also have independent members and have accountability mechanisms built in to ensure it would herald a new beginning in policing in Northern Ireland in a way that would allow those members of the RUC who have behaved professionally in the past to pursue their careers and representatives of the broad Nationalist community in particular to encourage its members to pursue policing as a profession in this new context.
I have indicated on a number of occasions the concerns we have expressed since the policing Bill was published. There were indications in the Second Stage speech of the Secretary of State, of movement in certain areas. There are issues under discussion. I have been in direct contact with the SDLP and Sinn Féin in relation to their concerns. The Government wishes to see faithful implementation of the Patten proposals to ensure there will be a police force which will be representative and provide a basis for full participation and its full acceptance by everyone in Northern Ireland. That is the basic requirement. Everything is predicated on achieving that objective. The Patten recommendations provide a blueprint. Those who are au fait with them will know that they must be reflected in the legislative framework under consideration in the Westminster Parliament.
On the marching season generally in Northern Ireland, which is approaching, what steps have been taken to bring about an accommodation between those who wish to march and the communities which are offended or upset by the marches in question? Specifically what progress what has been made in relation to Drumcree?
Mr. Curran is continuing to try to work in an intermediary capacity in this ongoing matter. It is the Government's position that it is a matter for the Parades Commission. We would expect its decision to be fully supported and implemented by the police and security forces.