The overall situation in Northern Ireland forms a key element in all of my regular discussions with the British government and with the Northern Ireland Executive. I can confirm that both issues formed part of my bilateral discussions with the Secretary State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP on 29 April in Belfast. They also featured in the joint meeting which the Secretary of State and I had with Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson and with the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness later that day at Stormont Castle. In these meetings I expressed the Irish government’s concerns about the current situation as we faced into the summer. I underlined our view that it is essential that the determinations of the Parades Commission are fully respected and that the Parades Commission and the Police Service of Northern Ireland receive full support from everyone. I am concerned at reports that the Police face a very challenging situation this marching season and that the rule of law will be tested, in similar ways to the recent illegal street protests. These protests have strained community relations in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland and have damaged Northern Ireland’s international reputation.
We all look forward to a successful G8 Summit in Fermanagh in June as one way of countering recent negative publicity. It is an historic opportunity to underline what has been achieved and might yet be achieved in Northern Ireland as we press on with the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the unfinished business of reconciliation in this country.