Vol. 435 No. 11
19 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will convene a meeting of the Church leaders on this island to discuss the ongoing sectarian murder campaigns, particularly in the northern part of the island.
I am pleased to acknowledge the unequivocal and forthright stand taken by the leaders of the main churches in the face of the continuing vicious campaign of sectarian assassination and violence. Their common stance has underscored the widespread revulsion felt by the vast majority in both communities in Northern Ireland, and throughout this island, at the continuing campaign of violence and the insistent demand for peace.
I have had a number of meetings with church leaders on an individual basis in recent months and I look forward to staying in close touch with them. There are, of course, long-standing arrangements for regular consultations between the leaders of the various churches. These consultations are clearly a matter for the church leaders, and in the circumstances I do not propose to take the course of action recommended by the Deputy.
I tabled this question to bring to notice that while the perception abroad is that the troubles in Northern Ireland are based on religion, the fact is they are based on pure tribalism, as is evident from the events of last night. I would like the Minister to consult with Church leaders regularly so that people worldwide can see they are of one voice in condemning violence. I am glad to note the Minister met with leaders of some Churches. Has he met leaders of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches as well as the Roman Catholic Church and Church of Ireland?
I have met representatives of all the Churches because they have an important role to play. Despite the perception abroad, I accept the Deputy's point in regard to the basis of the conflict in Northern Ireland. It is totally unacceptable that sectarian tenets still persist and that because of their religious persuasions, people's views are not always tolerated. I would like to believe that in the present climate of toleration that is developing we will see an end to the sectarian difficulties with which we have had to live for many years. I place great value on the example, leadership and cooperation shown by Church leaders.
Did the Minister seek a meeting with the leader of the Free Presbyterian Church? Also, did he raise the question of integrated education in Northern Ireland with the leaders of the Churches he met? Did he stress the importance of children being educated together as a means of overcoming the tribalism not alone in the North but also in the South?
I have not had an opportunity to have a meeting with the leader of the Free Presbyterian Church, but I am available to meet the leaders of all Churches and all constitutional parties. The question of integrated education is high on my agenda at all times.
It is not high on the agenda of the Churches.
I might have to set up my own Church.
In his speech last night at the Johns Hopkins University the Minister referred to the efforts being made in general to resolve the Northern Ireland problem. He referred to the fact that he hoped for an even-handed approach from the British Government in respect of the two communities in Northern Ireland. Is that also the approach of the Irish Government? The Minister stated also that the British Government had abandoned its approach of trying to get the parties around the table and were pursuing instead a policy of bilateral meetings with the constitutional parties. The manner in which the Minister made that statement indicated that he expected that approach to continue for some time. Is that his intention, or does he foresee a prospect of having round table discussions in the relatively near future?
We are going outside the bounds of this question.
Our questions regarding Northern Ireland were tied in with the priority questions and we want to raise these issues.
I hope that both the Governments are in a position to approach the Northern Ireland problem in an even-handed manner. Obviously, if the approach is taken in an even-handed manner one would like to believe that there would be a balanced outcome. As the Deputy is well aware from his experience in respect of Northern Ireland matters, the achievement of that balance has, unfortunately, failed politicians on this island. Despite our best efforts, we have failed in that regard down through the years. However, after the foundation of the State great efforts were not made in that area, but a new reality now prevails in the South and I hope the same is true of Northern Ireland. It is extremely important that we approach the matter in an even-handed manner. If we can do that we may be able to achieve what we set out to do.
In regard to the resumption of talks, since the formation of this Government we have been ready and available to resume round table or any other form of dialogue. It is important that dialogue is resumed at the earliest possible opportunity. As I stated last night in Washington, if we can bring about a cessation of violence the atmosphere for the resumption of talks would be transformed and we could get on with the job in hands.
I would appreciate if the Minister would keep Deputy Timmins and I informed of any developments that may arise as a result of Question No. 8 on the Order Paper. Deputy Timmins was unable to be in the House for Question Time.
I raised the question of the attitude of various Churches to integrated education at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs some weeks ago and I was appalled to be told by Mr. Andy Pollak, who was briefing us, that the stumbling block in relation to integrated education in Northern Ireland is the Roman Catholic Church. Is the Minister aware of that and will he do something to break that impasse?
I certainly was not aware of the remark that was made but I have a general understanding of the background to it and the difficulties that arise in regard to integrated education. Integrated education would play an enormous role in breaking down the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland and, as Deputy De Rossa stated, on the rest of the island also. That is something I will be aiming for.
