Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. Since I tabled this parliamentary question last Thursday, this issue has received considerable coverage in the media. One police officer issued a strong message that judicial clarity is needed on parading laws. The Tánaiste referred to this and we await the judicial review. It is to be hoped that can be finalised as soon as possible. Next Saturday will be the 11th consecutive Saturday a parade has been held in Belfast and everyone is aware of the trouble emanating from these non-notified parades. These flag marches around City Hall are parades but they are not classified as such and, therefore, do not come within the jurisdiction of the Parades Commission because they are not notified. All the other parades outside Belfast relating to the new protocol regarding the flying of the union flag were notified to the commission and came under its jurisdiction. There was weak commentary, to be charitable, regarding the reasons for the postponement of the Crusaders-Cliftonville soccer game last Saturday evening when senior unionists referred to "events" causing the postponement.

Like the Tánaiste, I have spoken to political leaders and community members in Northern Ireland on a constant basis and there is great concern in many communities, particularly in Belfast, given the marching season begins this coming Saturday, that this issue needs to be addressed with the utmost urgency. Clarity needs to be brought to the jurisdiction of the Parades Commission regarding parades as we know them, as provided for following the enactment of the Public Processions Northern Ireland Bill 1998. Will the Tánaiste ensure this issue remains on the agenda at senior levels with the British Government, the Secretary of State, the Northern Ireland Executive and political leaders in the North?

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