Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The peace process in Nepal has continued to progress since the elections of April 2008 and the establishment of a federal democratic republic to replace the monarchy. I welcome the recent agreement reached by the political parties on arrangements for the drafting of a new constitution. Likewise, the recent efforts by the Nepalese Prime Minister to ensure the return of property seized during the civil war and to end the activities of paramilitary groups represent an important and welcome development.

However, long-term stability is far from being achieved in Nepal. Public discontent is mounting and the rule of law remains weak. Violent clashes have recently taken place between the Maoist Young Communist League and rival members of the Unified Marxist-Leninist, UML, youth force, which are both associated with government coalition parties.

Journalists critical of Maoist conduct have also been threatened with, and subjected to, violence from Maoist trade unionists. It remains imperative that all sides continue to respect pluralism and the rule of law, and work towards securing the political consensus needed to complete the peace process.

A central element of the peace process which remains incomplete is the integration of Maoist army personnel into the Nepalese army. I welcome the first meeting of the special committee tasked to oversee this which was held on 16 January. However, the reports of recruitment being undertaken by the Nepalese army, which is in contravention of the 2006 ceasefire agreement, are of concern. It is vital that all sides comply with agreed commitments on this issue and work towards a speedy resolution of it.

Ireland is accredited diplomatically to Nepal through our ambassador in New Delhi. Our embassy there monitors developments in Nepal closely and remains in regular contact with parties there, including the Nepalese Government. Ireland's ambassador-designate to Nepal will travel shortly to Kathmandu to present credentials and he will take this opportunity to engage in political consultations with the Government and other parties and interests and to convey our views and concerns while he is there. The EU is also actively engaged in Nepal and deployed an election observation mission to monitor the elections in April 2008, to which Ireland contributed. Likewise, the UN Mission in Nepal, UNMIN, plays a vital role in facilitating the peace process. Ireland remains fully supportive of its work.

In 2008, Irish Aid provided funding of over €1.1 million to civil society organisations for development activities in Nepal. Ireland also responded to the serious flooding in Nepal through a contribution of €89,000 to Plan Ireland for immediate relief to displaced families. In addition, €15,000 was provided towards the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in support of the Nepali peace process.

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