Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
158. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his position regarding the proposals on the Parades Commission made by Dr. Haass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2202/14]
View answer159. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet the Ulster Unionist Party to discuss the Haass report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2210/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
I have previously outlined to the House the main provisions of the final Haass/O'Sullivan proposals.
On Parades, the proposals recognise parading as an important cultural and historical tradition for many in Northern Ireland which enjoys protection under European and international human rights law. They note the wide variety of other rights potentially affected by parades and other events and call for a new consensus based on rights, responsibilities, and relationships.
The proposals provide for devolution of responsibility for Parades to the Northern Ireland Executive, which would require legislation at Westminster and in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Such legislation would establish two new bodies which would take over responsibilities currently held by the Parades Commission.
An Office for Parades, Select Commemorations, and Related Protests would have responsibility for receiving event notifications and promoting dialogue and mediation among event organisers and local communities. An Authority for Public Events Adjudication would in some cases set conditions on the relatively small number of events which prove contentious. Determinations would be made by a seven-member panel led by a legally-qualified person. Affected parties could pursue an internal review and judicial review. A new Code of Conduct would be enshrined in legislation by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Throughout the Talks, I have made clear the Government's view to all participants and stakeholders that there is now a unique opportunity to make further progress towards advancing reconciliation and the creation of a truly reconciled and prosperous society in Northern Ireland. That remains the Government's view and we will continue our engagement with the Northern Ireland Political Parties and the British Government to that end.
The Political Parties in the Northern Ireland Executive are currently discussing the Proposals, including those on Parades. I and my officials are in regular contact with all of them, including with the Ulster Unionist Party. I have invited Mike Nesbitt MLA, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, to a meeting in Dublin at a mutually convenient time. I have also indicated my availability to meet with him in Belfast.
