Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

272 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views of the reports made on 30 May 2001 by the Chairman of the Independent Commission on Decommissioning, General John de Chastelain, and the two international inspectors, Mr. Ahtisaari and Mr. Ramaphosa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16861/01]

Michael Noonan

Question:

273 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent statement by the International Body on Arms Decommissioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16936/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.

I note the positive developments contained in the commission's reports of 30 May and 30 June and the report of President Martti Ahtisaari and Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa on their third inspection of IRA arms attached to the report of 30 May. I am disappointed that the commission was not in a position to report more progress than they have on the issue of decommissioning.

I welcome the commission's confirmation of the continuing engagement with it of the paramilitary groups and recognise the continuing vitally important role of the commission in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion.