Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2014
42. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at his recent meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25144/14]
View answer43. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at his recent meetings with political parties in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25145/14]
View answer44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of his recent visit to Belfast; the organisations or deputations he met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25146/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 to 44, inclusive, together.
During my visit to Belfast on 9 June 2014, I met with a wide range of political, business and community leaders. I also had the opportunity to congratulate the new Lord Mayor of Belfast, Nichola Mallon, on her appointment.
In my meetings with each of the Party Leaders, I stressed the importance of delivering an agreement on the outstanding issues. I underlined that the people of Northern Ireland expect politics to deliver. I remain committed to doing everything possible in the time ahead to ensure that real progress is achieved.
I had the opportunity to meet with key representatives of Northern Ireland’s business community. We discussed the wider benefits that a successful conclusion to the Party Leaders’ Talks will bring to the economy of Northern Ireland. It was clear that business leaders were concerned at the broader economic and social consequences of the slowness in political progress in recent months.
My discussion with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers included ongoing developments in Northern Ireland Political Party Leaders’ talks and our shared concern that the forthcoming marching season pass peacefully. On the Party Leaders’ Talks, we both expressed the hope that the renewed sense of momentum in the talks will translate into a comprehensive and fair solution to outstanding issues on flags, parades and dealing with the past.
I also addressed a reception attended by key community, business and political leaders, where I launched the Department’s Reconciliation Fund Strategy for the period 2014 to 2017. The new strategy for the Reconciliation Fund has at its heart a commitment to the full implementation of the Agreements. Support for projects will be grouped around two thematic pillars: repairing and building. Under the first pillar, the Fund will support projects tackling issues that lead to division, conflict and barriers to a deeply reconciled and peaceful society. The second pillar will see support for projects that contribute to building a strong civil society that encompasses all communities, through the continued implementation of the Agreements and the promotion of a rights-based society, political stability and respect for all. The strategy places a strong emphasis on innovative approaches, maximising effectiveness and value-for-money. I look forward to the strategy supporting the work of the Government in delivering reconciliation on this island.
