Rory O'Hanlon
Question:127 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made in finding a solution to contentious Orange parades, including Drumcree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9788/01]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
Each year, a number of contentious parades in Northern Ireland require the attention of the Parades Commission because of failure to reach agreement between the marchers and local residents. The Orange Order parade in Drumcree on the first Sunday in July is undoubtedly the most high-profile of these parades.
The continuing disagreements over Drumcree and other contentious parades, and their negative impact on community relations, is a cause of concern to the Government as the start of this year's marching season approaches. We have maintained a consistent approach to the parades question based on mutual respect, dialogue, agreement, the rights of local communities and respect for the law. We have also stressed that the resolution of contentious parades lies through dialogue and local agreement.
No agreed and mutually-acceptable solution has yet been found to the Drumcree-Garvaghy Road dispute. The Parades Commission has appealed to both sides to commence direct dialogue but, as yet, no agreed talks process has emerged. Last May, an initiative was begun by Brian Currin, a South African lawyer with a background in mediation and currently joint chair of the Sentence Review Commission in Northern Ireland. He was accepted by the parties to the Drumcree dispute as an independent and impartial mediator. While his efforts have not yet met with success, we would encourage all those involved to work with Mr Currin in the period ahead.
A direct and genuine dialogue between representatives of the local residents group and the Portadown District Lodge would be an important and positive development. The Government is keeping in close contact with the British Government and others to try to ensure an agreed solution to the Drumcree situation.