Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 November 2014
153. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at his recent meeting with Senator Gary Hart in relation to the talks process in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42429/14]
View answerThe Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, and I had a very positive meeting with Senator Hart in Belfast on 30 October. This meeting took place in the context of the current cross-party political talks in Northern Ireland, in which Senator Hart is playing an important role as US Secretary of State Kerry’s Personal Representative. The focus of discussion during our meeting was on how the Senator could best support the talks process and encourage the parties to move forward together.
Senator Hart met with a range wide of stakeholders while in Belfast. As well as his meeting with the Irish Government, he met with the Northern Ireland Executive Parties, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Chief Constable of the PSNI and a number of representatives of civil society.
Senator Hart’s appointment and the recent round of telephone contacts initiated by Vice President Biden are a further demonstration of the United States’ long-standing support for peace, reconciliation and economic renewal on the island of Ireland. I look forward to working closely with Senator Hart over the coming weeks.
