Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004
81 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a statement made by the deputy chairperson of the Policing Commission recently who stated that the Irish Government was disengaged from the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14506/04]
View answerAs the Taoiseach has already stated, the person to whom the Deputy refers is very highly regarded by the Irish Government for the outstanding work that he, together with the other members of the policing board, carries out in often very difficult circumstances. However, I do not share his assessment that the Government is disengaged from the peace process. The Government remains deeply committed to achieving a lasting peace on this island and we attach the highest priority to achieving this goal.
In recent weeks and months we have, together with the British Government, continued our intensive dialogue with all the parties to achieve a resolution to the current political impasse. On 23 March, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair met with all the parties at Hillsborough. Since then, the Taoiseach separately met Sinn Féin, the SDLP and Prime Minister Blair in Dublin. The Government has also held meetings with all the parties in recent weeks as part of the review of the operation of the Good Friday Agreement. In addition, I had an opportunity for an in-depth discussion with the DUP in Belfast on 29 April.
In all our contacts, we have been forthright in expressing our view that the achievement of progress requires a definitive end to all forms of paramilitarism, together with assurances from all sides about the operation of stable, inclusive political institutions. We are determined to continue working with the British Government and all the parties to achieve an outcome where the threat of paramilitarism is removed and where politics works for the benefit of all.
Notwithstanding the pressures and constraints of other commitments, the Taoiseach and the Government will continue to devote whatever time and energy are needed to move the peace process forward.
