Vol. 448 No. 6
1 Mr. R. Burke asked the Taoiseach if he will raise with the British Prime Minister at their next meeting the desirability of ending the system of political vetting of community work and the introduction instead of a proper system of financial accountability for the expenditure of public funds. [2136/95]
My next meeting with the British Prime Minister will be concerned principally with progress on the Joint Framework Document as a basis for all-party talks on an agreed political settlement.
In the context of all our efforts to advance the peace process and secure a return to full normality, the Government is determined to assist in every way community development in Northern Ireland, particularly in disadvantaged areas. It is the Government's hope that in this new era of peace, the opportunities for social and economic regeneration in deprived communities will receive all necessary support irrespective of the political views held by such communities. The Government would, of course, endorse the need for full financial accountability in respect of all such aid.
Does the Taoiseach accept that the continued political vetting of badly needed community facilities, for example, Conway Mills, is indefensible in light of the ceasefire and that this is a source of great annoyance both for loyalists and republicans? Is he aware in regard to the Conway Mills application that it was notified only ten days ago of the renewed refusal by the British Government?
I agree with the Deputy that the continuation of political vetting is hard to defend in the context of the cessation of voilence. This is a matter we will take up and have taken up on many occasions in the past with the authorities but that we have had peace for such a considerable length of time strengthens our case.
On the question of deprived areas does the Taoiseach agree it appears that people of an approved political persuasion will receive all the funding in the world whereas the places where a real need exists will not receive a penny if the people concerned support certain political parties? Does he agree that whatever rationale there may have been before the ceasefire there is none now? Will the Government take up this issue with the British Government?
We have taken it up and will continue to do so. I hope it can be discussed between the political parties, all the people affected and the Government authorities in Northern Ireland.
In pressing the case will the Taoiseach remind the British authorities that as far back as 1990 the Irish Government and the leader of the SDLP, Mr. John Hume, made strenuous efforts to get the British Government to change its mind on this issue? Does he agree that it will be difficult to persuade the people of west Belfast of the benefits of peace when discriminatory decisions continue unchanged?
The current situation is different from that in 1990 when the campaign of violence supported by Sinn Féin continued; that is not the case now. I would make the case to the British Government that this has radically altered the situation and it is probably best to rely on this incontestable case rather than to bring up arguments that may have been advanced in 1990 which are not as necessary at this stage.
Does the Taoiseach agree, in line with the commitments in the Downing Street Declaration to recognise the rights and aspirations of both communities, that the case for Meanscoil Feiriste, for example, needs to be put forward by the Irish Government? On the question of public funding both here and in Northern Ireland, does he agree it is important to ensure that it goes to genuine community organisations and not to organisations which may be a front for any political party?
Full financial accountability is an essential requirement to ensure that the money is used for the purposes for which it is given only and not to support any form of political activity. That is and will always be essential in regard to any assistance for community development anywhere.
So far as Meanscoil Feiriste is concerned, as the House is no doubt aware, this was one of the first matters I took up with the British Prime Minister when I met him in Downing Street before Christmas. Generosity in assistance to this all Irish second level school in Belfast will do a great deal to establish full meaning for the sense of parity esteem to which both communities in Northern Ireland ought to aspire. Increasingly, the Irish language is something that unites people of both traditions. It is well known that people of the majority tradition have taken an interest in the language and are participating in activities related to it, but it is particularly important to support the Irish language in Northern Ireland as a way of establishing that people of the Nationalist community and their traditions are fully accepted in a new dispensation in Northern Ireland. I have stressed this point strongly in my meetings with the British Prime Minister.
A Cheann Comhairle——
I will call the Deputy but I had hoped to make progress on other questions. We must not forget that 30 minutes only are available to us on Tuesdays for dealing with questions to the Taoiseach.
May I take it from the Taoiseach's reply that his representations and the strong efforts he made six weeks ago have been ignored by the British Prime Minister and by Mr. Mayhew?
On the contrary, I do not believe they were ignored. There are a number of problems that the British Government feels it has to overcome in regard to the establishment of precedents. All of us who have been involved in Government at various times understand the difficulties that can be created by the setting of administrative precedents. This is the problem it is seeking to overcome in regard to Meanscoil Feiriste. In order of importance, I believe the precedents are not of great importance here and that the establishment of parity of esteem is of great importance and I am urging them to be generous in its response in that area. I would not like to give the impression that there are no problems to be overcome. There are genuine problems but I believe, from my face to face discussions both with the Prime Minister and particularly with Minister Ancram, that there is a genuine willingness to find a solution to these problems. A number of alternative solutions have been canvassed. For example, arrangements within an existing campus was one of the suggestions made for accommodating Meanscoil Feiriste. Those need to be looked at in a constructive way by both sides. It is important that those who are looking for Meanscoil Feiriste to be given full assistance should seek to build, in a constructive spirit, on suggestions that may be put from the other side rather than simply saying they want 100 per cent and nothing less will do.
