Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014
55. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he will take to assist in progressing the Haass talks to a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22112/14]
View answer56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent engagement he has had with the British Government and the political parties in the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the need to progress the Haass talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22117/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 56 together.
I remain firmly of the view that Northern Ireland urgently requires a new way forward on dealing with the past that can command public confidence. The early successful conclusion of the political talks represents the best opportunity to make progress across all three important areas of parades, flag and identity issues and dealing with the past. Maintaining the status quo in relation to these issues is not a feasible or satisfactory option for anyone.
I welcome that the NI party leaders continued to meet and to make progress up until last week. I welcome also that they have agreed to reconvene on 27 May, following the upcoming European and local government elections.
It is in the best interests of Northern Ireland that agreement is reached without further delay. I believe that there is a window of opportunity to reach agreement before the summer and I will continue to encourage the NI parties over the coming weeks towards that end.
I continue to engage with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding the talks and in particular the need to find a way to deal better and more comprehensively with the legacy of the past.
