Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
18. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the supports and assistance that are being provided and will be provided by his Department to the Northern Ireland Executive parties and the British Government in the wake of the unsuccessful conclusion of the panel of parties talks. [1268/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra44. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his view on the talks chaired by Dr. Richard Haass into contentious issues in Northern Ireland; his views on the proposals put to all parties in Northern Ireland; the way he expects the issue to now progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1118/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will take a more proactive role in the peace process following the collapse of the Haass-O’Sullivan proposals and not tolerate any veto on progress on this Island. [1415/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 44 and 65 together.
As I stated earlier in my reply to Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 3, I have made clear the Government's view to all participants and stakeholders that the Panel of Parties Talks presented an opportunity to make further progress towards advancing reconciliation and the creation of a truly reconciled and prosperous society in Northern Ireland. That remains the Government’s view and we will continue our engagement with the Northern Ireland Political Parties and the British Government to that end.
While acknowledging that the issues to be addressed in the talks are difficult and contentious, the Government encouraged Drs. Haass and O’Sullivan to be ambitious in their approach and for all Talks' participants to engage actively with the process. I welcome that very significant progress was made within the talks process over a short period on a number of the most difficult issues that face society in Northern Ireland. The priority now should be to safeguard and give practical effect to what has been achieved.
I want to send a clear message of support from this House to the five Northern Ireland Executive Parties as they continue the vital task which they have set in train. The Government, along with the British Government, will play its role in partnership with the NI Parties to the full as they complete their work on an Agreement. It is in all our shared interests to see Northern Ireland make further progress towards reconciliation in line with the vision of the Good Friday Agreement. Our support and our work in this regard continues unabated.
