Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government welcomes that the political talks on parades, flags and identity issues and dealing with the past have resumed following a break over the St. Patrick’s Day period. As the Tánaiste has said previously in this House, it was disappointing that the party leaders had not made more progress in their discussions before St. Patrick’s Day, following the substantial work done under the chairmanship of Dr. Richard Haass and Dr. Meghan O'Sullivan before the new year. It is regrettable that the Ulster Unionist Party, UUP, is not participating currently in these discussions which are focused on issues of genuine and great concern to so many people.

The Tánaiste met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on Monday of this week to discuss the talks and the support which both Governments are giving to the process. They are both firmly of the view that Northern Ireland urgently requires a new way forward on dealing with the past that can command public confidence. They agreed also that the early successful conclusion of the political talks represents the best opportunity to make progress across all three important areas of parades, flags and identity issues and dealing with the past. Maintaining the status quo in relation to these issues is not a feasible or satisfactory option for anyone. The Tánaiste has spoken recently with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and with the leaders of the Social Democratic and Labour Party, SDLP, and the Alliance Party. All have confirmed to him their commitment to reaching a deal. There is an expectation now that they will deliver. These are all difficult issues with the potential to destabilise political and civic life in Northern Ireland if left unresolved.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

As the Tánaiste said at the Alliance Party conference in Belfast last week, the Northern Ireland Executive parties can count on the full support of both Governments as they carry this work forward. Getting the frameworks for peace and reconciliation right and fully functioning is important for stability and security. It is vital also that greater priority be given to setting the right conditions for economic growth and job creation, especially for young people. We all have a common interest in that. The Government wants to see an early agreement as we believe it is in the best interests of Northern Ireland, and the Tánaiste will continue to engage closely with the British Government and the Northern Irish parties over the coming weeks towards that end.

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