Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I fully support the talks which were held in Cardiff on 18 and 19 May about the challenges facing policing in Belfast. The talks were organised by the PSNI, with representation from community leaders in the city. I was greatly encouraged by the cross-community nature of the meeting and the fact that the attendees included all of the main political parties, the Policing Board, community and church representatives. I understand the meeting was assisted by academics from Stanford University and Ulster University.

The statement issued following the conference was thoughtful and progressive. It is welcome that all participants in Cardiff were ready to commit themselves to support the police and non-violence, support for the rule of law and ongoing dialogue throughout the summer. The recognition of the imperative for dialogue when tensions are high is a significant and welcome development.

I was particularly encouraged by the fact that the participants had also agreed to keep lines of communication open, especially during periods of tension, and that they had reaffirmed support for the PSNI, the Policing Board and the police ombudsman. I am aware that the Cardiff group has recently met again in Belfast to together look at ways to implement these commitments in a concrete manner. This is also very encouraging.

I join the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister, Minster David Ford and Chief Constable Matt Baggott in their call on all political and community representatives to redouble efforts to reduce parade related tensions in the coming weeks.

See this speech in context