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Northern Ireland Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004

Wednesday, 31 March 2004

Questions (136)

Trevor Sargent

Question:

130 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress in the implementation of the Government’s commitments undertaken in the Joint Declaration, April 2003, section on rights, equality, identity and community; if he believes that action on these issues remains a priority for maintaining confidence in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7787/04]

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Written answers

In recognition of the priority which the two Governments attach to these issues, the Joint Declaration by the British and Irish Governments contained a number of commitments on the part of both under the headings of rights, equality, identity and community.

The British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference has provided a number of opportunities for discussions on progress to date in relation to the commitments by the British Government. The communiqués issued after the conference meetings on 2 July 2003 and 22 January 2004 reflect the encouraging progress made across a broad range of issues. I agree that positive advancement on these areas is vital for developing the threshold of confidence that is required in order to ensure that progress is made on the broader political and institutional front.

The Irish Government also made a number of commitments under these headings in the Joint Declaration. Arising from consideration of the recommendations of the report of the Victims Commission, the Government announced in October 2003 the creation of an independent commission to administer a remembrance fund which is being established to address the needs of the victims of the conflict and their families in this jurisdiction. The Government has approved the expenditure of €9 million over the lifetime of the commission, including a donation to the Northern Ireland memorial fund.

The Department of Foreign Affairs also continues to disburse moneys from the reconciliation fund. Its purpose is to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and efforts to create better understanding between people on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. Since 1999, the fund has disbursed €12.3 million for this purpose.

The Government also committed itself in the Joint Declaration to working with the relevant regulators and broadcasting authorities to address the technical and other barriers with a view to increasing substantially the reception of TG4 in Northern Ireland. Encouraging progress has been made over the last year in addressing the various rights, spectrum, regulatory and financial issues involved, and this work continues to be advanced.

On human rights, the legislation providing for the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights, ECHR, into Irish law was passed by the Oireachtas in June 2003 and the European Convention on Human Rights Act came into effect on 30 December 2003.

Advancing the rights, equality, identity and community aspects of the Joint Declaration is a central part of realising the fresh start envisaged by the Good Friday Agreement. The next meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 21 April will provide a further opportunity to review and, where necessary, give additional focus and momentum to the progress being made in these important areas.

Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
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