Vol. 507 No. 4
70 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reports, if any, he has received from Mr. David Trimble and the other participants at the meeting on the situation in Drumcree and Garvaghy Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12285/99]
The Taoiseach met with Mr. Breandán MacCionnaith and other representatives from the area on several occasions to discuss the situation and assist in the search for an accommodation. The issue was also addressed in recent discussions between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair.
Contacts are ongoing between the Department of Foreign Affairs and representatives in the area. The situation on the ground in Portadown is discussed regularly with the British side within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to monitor closely the situation in regard to contentious parades. As we approach the height of the marching season, these contacts will intensify.
The Government will continue to urge all sides to engage in dialogue to bring the impasse in Portadown to an end and to begin a process of reconciliation between the communities in Portadown. We welcome the commitment of the residents to continue with the efforts to establish a basis for a resolution. In the wake of the decision of the Parades Commission, the Government would urge all sides to act with restraint and to help ensure that inevitable tensions are not exacerbated. The Government remain committed to a resolution of this crucial issue, based on mutual respect, dialogue and an agreed accommodation.
