Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2014
65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific barriers that are preventing agreement in Northern Ireland in relation to the issues surrounding flags, parades and dealing with the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27565/14]
View answerThe Northern Ireland Party Leaders have individually acknowledged that there is broad agreement among the parties on the basic architecture for moving forward on the issues of flags, parades and dealing with the past. They are continuing to meet, including a meeting that took place on Tuesday, with a view to closing the remaining gaps between them and for developing the practical mechanisms and related timeframe for implementation. It is in the best interests of Northern Ireland that agreement is reached now. It is particularly important in advance of the marching season and the summer recess that politics is seen to be working in the best interests of all communities in the North.
There have been several instances over recent months where the legacy of the past has seriously disrupted political and community life in Northern Ireland. It is clear from my contacts with business leaders in Northern Ireland that they are concerned at the broader economic and social consequences of the lack of political progress in recent months in addressing these legacy issues. In Washington DC last week, I heard genuine concern being expressed by political, business and community leaders on the need for progress in the Party Leaders talks, which the United States government regards as very important in themselves, and which they recognise are also hampering progress and decision-making across a broad range of Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly business.
In my ongoing meetings and contacts with the Party Leaders and the Secretary of State, most recently on 9 June in Belfast, I have stressed the importance of securing an agreement on the outstanding issues. I underlined that the people of Northern Ireland expect politics to deliver tangible outcomes that improve their lives. I remain committed to doing everything possible in the time ahead to ensure that real progress is achieved.
