Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1222. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposals to meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the party leaders in Northern Ireland in relation to the need to progress the Haass talks to a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34835/14]
View answer1223. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State or with members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to outstanding aspects of the Good Friday Agreement which need to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34836/14]
View answer1225. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues of concern he has expressed to Sinn Féin and the DUP in relation to the workings of the Assembly and the Executive in Northern Ireland; if he has put particular proposals to the First Minister and to the Deputy First Minister in relation to the commitments made in the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrew's Agreement and the need to make progress on the outstanding aspects of both Agreements; the response he has received from the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34838/14]
View answer1226. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when all-party talks will recommence on the Haass proposals; if both Governments will be participants in such talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34839/14]
View answer1227. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the 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. [34840/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1222, 1223 and 1225 to 1227, inclusive, together.
On the evening of my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I spoke by telephone with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. Our conversation largely focused on the prospects for the 12 July parades, which were taking place the following day, but also touched upon the need to resume political dialogue on the legacy issues which formed part of the earlier Haass talks. I also had conversations that evening with the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and the Leader of the SDLP, Dr. Alasdair McDonnell. I also spoke subsequently by phone to First Minister, Peter Robinson, and other party leaders.
I visited Belfast on 30 July last for a comprehensive programme which included meetings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Northern Ireland party leaders, and a range of civil society and community representatives. The visit was an important opportunity to reiterate the Government’s support for effective partnership government in Northern Ireland and our steadfast commitment to the full implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrew’s Agreements.
Given the worrying political drift in recent months, it is crucial that momentum and confidence is restored to the political process in Northern Ireland. In that regard, I would wish to see political talks taking place in a comprehensive and balanced framework; these talks should address the key issues including flags, parades, and dealing with the past and other pressing outstanding matters that impact on the functioning of the devolved institutions. Such complex and contentious issues require leadership and constructive engagement.
I have noted carefully the views expressed recently by the First Minister regarding the issues he believes need to be addressed in a talks process. In charting a way forward, I believe it is important that the views of other Northern Ireland parties are taken into account. I am currently engaging closely with those parties, as well as with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with a view to establishing how progress might be made.
