Ceist:
148 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Northern Ireland Secretary to meet with the representatives of the South Armagh Farmers and Residents Committee. [21927/00]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
My Department makes representations to the British authorities on many issues of concern on a regular basis, usually through the framework of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. I have not received any representation from the South Armagh Farmers and Residents Committee in the matter raised by the Deputy.
Ceist:
149 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposed establishment of a North-South consultative forum. [21928/00]
The Good Friday Agreement, provided that consideration be given to the establishment of an independent North-South Consultative Forum appointed by the two administrations, representative of civil society and comprising the social partners and other members with expertise in social, cultural, economic and other issues.
At its second plenary meeting in Dublin on 26 September the North-South Ministerial Council, NSMC, agreed to initiate a study on the establishment of the consultative forum. The council also agreed that a working group of officials from both administrations and the NSMC joint secretariat would be established to take forward the study and report to the next meeting of the plenary, which is scheduled to take place in March 2001. The first meeting of the joint working group has taken place in recent days.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has committed itself, under the programme for prosperity and fairness, to work for agreement with the Northern side on the early establishment and effective functioning of the independent North-South consultative forum. We very much hope that the outcome of the study being currently undertaken by the joint working group and the further deliberations by the NSMC will result in the full realisation of this objective.
Ceist:
150 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement following the bombing of the RUC station at Castlewellan, County Down. [25503/00]
I refer the Deputy to my statement of 1 November last in which I condemned the attack on Castlewellan RUC station earlier that day in the strongest possible terms.
This was an evil act designed to bring about death and injury and yet more misery to families in Northern Ireland. Two police officers were injured. One officer in particular sustained very serious injuries and is fortunate to be alive.
Dissident republicans are reported to have claimed responsibility for the attack, which was a direct assault on the democratic process. The people who planned and carried it out are working against the express wishes of the Irish people, North and South. They will not be allowed to succeed.
Ceist:
151 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in connection with a proposal to establish a truth commission in Northern Ireland similar to that which was established in South Africa after the collapse of apartheid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26419/00]
The Government has an open mind on the issue of a truth commission in Northern Ireland to examine events which occurred during the period of the troubles. I fully recognise that the truth and reconciliation commission in South Africa has undertaken beneficial work in that country.
The Government would need to be convinced that a truth commission in Northern Ireland would make a significant contribution to the process of reconciliation. It would also be important to ascertain the views of victims' organisations on the issue.
It is our position, as stated in the Good Friday Agreement, that the achievement of a peaceful and just society would be a true memorial to the victims of violence. It is against that background that the Government would decide its position on any proposal relating to a truth commission for Northern Ireland.
Questions Nos. 152 to 155, inclusive, with Question No. 110
Question No. 156 with Question No. 67