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

I welcome the appointment of Ambassador Haass and Dr. O'Sullivan and I wish them well in their work. We have been critical of the fact that, over the past 18 months or two years, the political establishment in Northern Ireland has fallen back on the politics of parades and protest when it suits. We must get away from that. This initiative is important in building the next stage of the peace process.

Why is the Government not directly involved in the process? This is the first time in decades the Irish Government is not a participant in important talks. The Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement and other talks prior to those successful negotiations provided for a mutual commitment between this Government and the British Government to advancing the talks. It was very well supported by the United States authorities. Does the Tánaiste intend to be a participant in the talks and, if not, has the Government made a formal submission?

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