Written Answers Nos. 251-260
259. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagement with the British Government on issues relating to the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29581/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast month marked the 48th anniversary of the appalling attacks of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings in which 33 people were murdered, the largest loss of life on a single day in the Troubles. Together with the families of those killed and injured, the Taoiseach attended a ceremony in Talbot St to remember those that lost their lives that day.
The Taoiseach assured those families that the implementation of the All-Party Dáil motions relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings continues to be a priority for the Government, as highlighted in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
The All-Party motion on the 1974 Dublin Monaghan bombings adopted by the Dáil on 25 May 2016 has, like those adopted in 2008 and 2011, been conveyed to the British Government. These motions call on the British Government to allow access by an independent, international judicial figure to all original documents relating to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, as well as the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973, the bombing of Kay’s Tavern in Dundalk and the murder of Seamus Ludlow.
We have consistently raised the issues set out in these motions with the British Government, including at the most recent meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Governmental Conference on 23 March last.
I made clear to my counterpart at the Conference that the absence of a response from the British Government is of deep concern to the Government, and that there remains an urgent need for a considered response.
Following last month’s commemoration, the sense of frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress on this issue was conveyed in the strongest terms to the Northern Ireland Office. We reiterated our commitment to finding truth and justice for the innocent victims of the Dublin Monaghan bombings.
The Government will continue to engage with the British Government on this issue, at all levels, to pursue all possible avenues to achieve progress on this issue, consistent with the request made by this House.
The Government has welcomed the work of Operation Kenova and former Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, who is heading an Independent Police Team to conduct an analytical report on collusion in what has become known as the Glenanne Gang series of cases. This is very relevant to a number of cases including the Dublin and Monaghan bombings.
The Government maintains a close and cooperative relationship with Justice for the Forgotten, as we continue work to seek the full facts of the appalling events of 17 May 1974 and of other attacks in this jurisdiction during the Troubles.
It is particularly disappointing and concerning that British Government have decided to move away from the Stormont House Agreement and proceed with the introduction of its ‘Northern Ireland Troubles’ (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, a move which will undoubtedly cause concern and upset for victims, families and survivors on this island. I have voiced my clear opposition to this unilateral move.
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he had discussions on the Northern Ireland protocol. [30694/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, arising from his recent expressions of concern that the UK's proposals to unilaterally set aside important parts of the Northern Ireland protocol could be seriously damaging to the Good Friday Agreement and could lead to a trade war, he will initiate an international diplomatic campaign with a view to ensuring that international agreements are kept in the letter and the spirit. [32192/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 261 together.
As has been the case throughout the Brexit process, the Government continues to undertake a coordinated and consistent outreach campaign in support of our Brexit priorities. The Taoiseach, Ministers, and officials from Dublin and all our embassies continue to meet with our counterparts and stakeholders in the EU institutions and across Member States and globally. The EU’s commitment to Northern Ireland is undiminished.
I am in ongoing and intensive contact with our partners across the EU, including European Commission Vice-President Šefcovic, who I spoke to on 13 June about the UK Government’s publication of draft legislation on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. I was in Brussels at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday (20 June), where I met with a number of my EU counterparts. The Taoiseach spoke with PM Johnson on 10 May, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 16 June, and with European Council President Charles Michel on 17 June. Minister of State Byrne is also in close contact with his EU counterparts, including at the General Affairs Council on 21 June, where EU-UK relations were discussed. Opposition to the UK’s illegal unilateral action is uniform across the Union and support for the Commission approach remains steadfast.
I spoke by phone to UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on 13 June at the request of the UK Foreign Office, and expressed my deep disappointment at the UK’s proposed illegal actions. I made clear to her that no amount of vague language around protecting the Good Friday Agreement can deny the fact that the UK is planning to set aside a solemn agreement and to break international law. Far from fixing the challenges arising from the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UK government’s legislation will create a whole new set of uncertainties and damage relationships within Northern Ireland, across our islands, between our governments, and between the UK and the EU and its Member States.
The Government remains in contact, on an ongoing basis, with the US administration and key interlocutors in the United States who retain a keen interest in these developments. We welcomed a bipartisan Congressional Delegation, led by Congressman Richie Neal, to Dublin and Kerry in May. We are grateful for continued bipartisan US support for peace and stability in Northern Ireland throughout the Brexit process.
Despite the UK tabling its legislation on the Protocol, the EU remains open to talks on finding a joint solution, and has put forward further details on the practical solutions it published last October. We know the operation of the Protocol can be improved. Ireland has stated this clearly, as has the Commission. With political will, there are solutions to be found for the genuine issues of concern to people and business in Northern Ireland. Finding these solutions will allow Northern Ireland to experience in full the positive effects the Protocol can have on trade, investment, growth and employment.
