The Taoiseach met Fr. Aidan Troy and discussed the Holy Cross dispute with him in some detail. He also had discussions with Tony Blair on the question. I have discussed it at length on a regular basis with the Secretary of State. The Government's consistent position is that we want to be as helpful as possible in a search for a resolution of this problem. It is a very sensitive issue and we have been anxious not to act in a manner which could make a resolution more difficult to achieve or raise tensions further. Achieving an end to the protest as swiftly as possible is our key concern.
In our efforts to assist in finding a resolution to the problem, we have been in ongoing contact with many of the interested parties in the Holy Cross dispute, including the parents, the board of governors, local elected and community representatives and the British authorities at both political and official levels. In the course of these contacts officials also had discussions with representatives of the loyalist community during which we listened to their concerns and put forward our views on the matter.
I listened to Deputy Brendan Smith's comments on the issue and I am open to the suggestion to meet the board of governors if its members believe it would be of assistance. I would gladly make myself available for such a meeting. I note the board attended a meeting in Stormont earlier this week when Fr. Troy characterised the outcome of the meeting as providing some cautious hope. We recognise that this is an issue which must be resolved. I call on those engaged in this unjustified action to stop the protest which deprives children of the right to go to school, a basic right in any functioning democracy.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.