Austin Currie
Ceist:5 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself with the rate of progress in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3975/02]
Ceisteanna–Questions. Priority Questions. - Northern Ireland Issues.
Since the two governments brought forward our package of proposals to address the key outstanding aspects of the Good Friday Agreement – policing, decommissioning, demilitarisation and stability in the institutions – last August, we have been able to make progress across the range of issues, and matters have been considerably advanced.
Following the election of David Trimble and Mark Durkan as First and Deputy First Ministers respectively on 6 November, we have enjoyed a sustained period of full and inclusive operation of the institutions. On 30 November, the Taoiseach hosted highly productive summit level meetings of both the British-Irish Council and the North-South Ministerial Council in Dublin Castle. On 17 December, together with the First and Deputy First Ministers, I attended the first meeting of the NSMC in its Institutional Format – designed, under the Agreement, to address institutional and cross-sectoral matters – in Stormont.
The new Policing Board, established on 4 November, has made an impressive start. In reaching agreement before Christmas on a design for the badge of the new policing service, it has already demonstrated that it is not only prepared to address sensitive issues, but is able to reach cross-community consensus on a way forward. This bodes extremely well for the future. Like many others, I look forward to the day when the board is fully inclusive and when all parties play their full part on it.
One of the most immediate issues facing the Policing Board is the follow-up to the Policing Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan's, report into the Omagh bombing. The report raises serious issues of concern and it is essential that the six recommendations she makes be addressed satisfac torily. In respect of the investigation, I stated my view some time ago that the Ombudsman's recommendation that an outside independent officer be tasked with its conduct should be accepted. However, it will be for the Policing Board to find a way forward which enjoys maximum confidence across the community, particularly with the families concerned.
Further steps have also been taken towards the achievement of a normal security environment in the North. In addition to the measures identified at Weston Park, the British Government recently announced the removal of the military installation at Glasdrumman in South Armagh, and the closure of Ebrington Barracks in Derry. These are further welcome steps which will, I hope, be built upon in the period ahead.
There have also been less positive developments. Despite the decision of the Glenbryn residents to bring their protest at Holy Cross School in Ardyone to an end in November, the new year saw serious disturbances and rioting in the surrounding areas. The callous murder of postal worker, Danny McColgan, on 12 January was profoundly shocking, reminding us of the deep wells of sectarianism that continue to exist in some quarters.
The best way to ensure such views do not gain ground, is to demonstrate to both communities that their fundamental best interests are protected now, and in the future, through the implementation in full of the Good Friday Agreement. We will continue in our efforts, with the British Government and with the pro-Agreement parties, to secure that outcome.
I thank the Minister for his positive reply in which he emphasised the progress made. Will the Minister join me in welcoming the reported statement of Gerry Adams in New York during the week in which he finally accepted that consent is the only way in which a united Ireland will be brought about and ruled out the use of force against the Unionists to bring about a united Ireland? Will the Minister agree that in such circumstances there is no excuse and no justification for maintaining an illegal army and that that point should be brought to the attention of Mr. Adams? Will the Minister say whether on every occasion he meets representatives of the republican movement he still raises with them the issue of the disappeared which continues to be a festering sore, not only in relation to those relatives where the Provos have admitted responsibility but in the case of the Armstrong family in south Armagh where up to now the Provos have still refused to admit responsibility? Will he also agree that he should on every possible occasion raise with the republican delegations which come here so often, the issue of those whom its military wing has exiled not only from Northern Ireland but from the island of Ireland? Can he imagine what it is like for the relatives of a young fellow who was ordered out of Ireland because of alleged anti-social behaviour? He is not allowed to return home while people who have been responsible for the most heinous crimes walk about freely.
I am glad that what we see, as we try to resolve this conflict, is the explicit confirmation that the principles of consent and self-determination of the Good Friday Agreement are durable and inviolable. These principles are the basis on which the Good Friday Agreement has been brought forward and agreed between the Governments and the parties. Clearly the only way in which peace and reconciliation can be provided is by consent and not by coercion. That has been patently true in the 30 years of tragic conflict, some of the consequences of which, as outlined by Deputy Currie, are ample and continuing testimony to that. As a constitutional democrat I agree that the question of any illegal armies is one which is part of the resolution of this conflict, upon which there has been some historic progress and more progress needs to be made. It is important always to emphasise that progress on all of these issues can and is being made on the basis of full and speedy agreement in all its aspects rather than situations being used, one against another. It is a process which requires movement on all sides by everybody in respect of those areas where they have particular responsibility or particular influence.
In relation to those unfortunate families who have not located their loved ones who have been murdered and those who cannot return to the country, the trauma for those families cannot be denied. Any genuine peace process must accommodate and satisfy the legitimate needs of those families. It is a matter to which we refer and will continue to refer as we try to bring about a situation where the implementation of this Agreement is bedded down in full and where all outstanding issues, of which there are many, can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. These are important issues and we continue to bring them to the attention of those who may have some influence in rectifying them.
The time for dealing with priority questions is exhausted.
I have not taken up the time. It was lost at an earlier stage. I have only a short supplementary.
Acting Chairman:
I will allow it.
Is the Minister aware that the relatives of the Omagh victims have committed themselves to taking civil action against those alleged to have been responsible for the murder of their relatives? They have a difficulty in terms of the amount of money involved. Will the Minister consider either directly contributing to such a fund or discussing the matter with people who, indirectly, might make funds available for these cases to be taken?
I have noted what the Deputy has asked. It is a matter I will take up and revert to in due course having considered it.
Thank you.