Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
18 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of peace process talks held at Hillsborough Castle on 23 March 2004; if he will make a comment on the position with regard to the Northern Ireland peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/04]
View answerFollowing a meeting between the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair at Farmleigh on 11 March, the two leaders met with the political parties elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Hillsborough Castle on 23 March in an effort to collectively find a way to resolve the current political impasse. Trilateral meetings were held with the DUP, the SDLP, the UUP, Alliance, the PUP and Sinn Féin. The Government also held a bilateral meeting with Sinn Féin. During our meetings we listened carefully to the views of each of the parties and their proposals for addressing the current difficulties. Both Governments also made it clear that there were two crux and related issues which needed to be resolved in order for progress to be made. As we have stated on a number of occasions in recent months, these outstanding issues are: the achievement of final closure in relation to all forms of paramilitarism from all quarters and a commitment from all the parties to the full operation of stable and inclusive political institutions.
In addition, both Governments have acknowledged the need to continue to meet their commitments in regard to the full implementation of the Agreement, particularly in the areas of rights and equality. Work on this agenda is being actively advanced throughthe framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
Mindful of the need to restore confidence in the process, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair at Hillsborough clearly stated their preference to see early progress on the key issues, and preferably before the local and European elections in June. Both Governments will remain in close contact with all the parties over the coming weeks to advance all opportunities for progress, including through the ongoing review of the operation of the Agreement.
