Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2012
85 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to meet groups in Derry who are concerned about the activities of RAAD; if he intends to discuss these concerns on his forthcoming visit to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26509/12]
View answer86 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the illegal activities by RAAD in Derry; if he has discussed this at the North-South Ministerial Council meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26508/12]
View answer87 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the recent bomb threats in the North of Ireland; if he has discussed these with the First Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26235/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 85 to 87, inclusive, together.
The peace process and the Good Friday Agreement have resulted in a transformation of society in Northern Ireland, perhaps most visibly in the normalisation of daily life and the dramatic decrease in terrorist-related incidents and violence. There remains, however, a threat from paramilitary groups who continue to assert their determination to impose a return to conflict on the people of Ireland. RAAD has claimed responsibility for the murder of one young man in Buncrana earlier this year and for a grim series of shootings and mutilations of young people in Derry. It is clear that these people enjoy no popular support within the community, as evidenced by the unequivocal response by the people of Derry who have publically protested against those who seek to impose their will on the community through violence.
Strong deep cooperation between the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland is doing much to counter such individuals and groups. The number of arrests in connection with paramilitary activity made in both jurisdictions continues to be significant. The Gardaí and the PSNI will continue to cooperate very closely to combat such activity on both sides of the border. Justice and security matters are not among the six Areas of Co-Operation on which common policies and approaches are discussed and agreed in the North South Ministerial Council. It is however, a matter of close ongoing cooperation between the Government, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the British authorities. The Joint Statement by the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Cameron on British Irish relations in March this year underlined the determination of both governments to support reconciliation and prosperity in Northern Ireland. I reviewed progress in this area with Secretary of State Owen Patterson today and will have an opportunity to do so again when I meet with the Secretary of State, the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister next week.
