Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
120. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to violence on the streets of Belfast during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38805/13]
View answer121. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in relation to violence on the streets of Belfast during the summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38806/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the security and political situation in Northern Ireland is a central concern for me, my Government colleagues and for members of the Oireachtas. I maintain contact on an ongoing and regular basis with the First and deputy First Ministers, with the party leaders within the Northern Ireland Executive and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP. In the light of the deterioration of the security situation after the 12th of July, I had direct contact with the Secretary of State and with the Minster for Justice David Ford to discuss the difficult situation which the Police Service of Northern Ireland were confronting in North Belfast. Exceptionally, I issued a public statement calling for calm which my officials brought to the attention of all key stakeholders within the Cardiff talks process. In that statement I welcomed the talks which have begun this week under the independent Chairmanship of Richard Haass and the commitment by the Orange Order to engage with that talks process.
I visited Belfast on 29 August 2013 and had detailed discussion with community leaders in Ardoyne, Carrick Hill, Short Strand and in East Belfast who have faced the brunt of parades related tension this summer. I applauded them for their tireless leadership, restraint and support for a solution based on dialogue and respect, despite frequent explicit provocation or sectarian intimidation. I commend all those who have shown constructive leadership within their communities in very difficult circumstances.
Work must continue to ease tensions at interface areas and to support the rule of law and the Police Service of Northern Ireland charged with upholding the law. The events of this Summer, and the ongoing parades in Ardoyne point to a need to progress meaningful dialogue further and I again urge the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, and all Loyal Orders, to promote and to engage in dialogue based on the principle of respect with residents’ groups as a matter of urgency.
