Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 2003

Vol. 563 No. 1

Written Answers - Northern Ireland Issues.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

266 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the peace process following the recent talks in Hillsborough which he attended with the Taoiseach; if his attention has been drawn to the huge interest in this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7244/03]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The talks which took place at Hillsborough last week marked a further significant development in the work in which the Governments and the parties in Northern Ireland have been engaged for several months. This work aims to facilitate the acts of completion necessary to implement all outstanding aspects of the Agreement fully and rapidly, including the restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland on a stable and inclusive basis.

The Governments are convinced that the difficulties in the process cannot be reduced to a single item agenda and will best be addressed in a comprehensive framework that progresses and resolves all outstanding issues.

At Hillsborough, a significant degree of movement was witnessed over the two days of talks and we substantially closed the gaps in a number of key areas, including policing, criminal justice, and human rights and equality. While all the parties did not sign up to every aspect, there is nevertheless a shared understanding among them of the steps that will be required to achieve acts of completion on all sides.

The two Governments have consistently endeavoured to provide clarity and certainty and to set down the obligations and commitments necessary from all sides to restore full confidence and trust. The question of the monitoring of and compliance with commitments made has proven to be very difficult. Mindful of the sensitivity of the issue, the Governments have sought to find a way forward that meets the requirements for the inclusive operation of sustainable political institutions.

Early next month, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, will return to Northern Ireland to publish their final proposals. In the meantime, the parties will have the opportunity to assimilate the details and consult their members before coming to a conclusion. On account of the need to facilitate this process, the Assembly elections will be delayed by a few weeks and will now take place on 29 May. It is our intention that, on that day, the people of Northern Ireland should be able to pass their democratic verdict in the certain knowledge that the Agreement is fully operational and that the political institutions are both secure and sustainable.