Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It must have been extremely frustrating and disappointing for Dr. Haass and Professor O'Sullivan that all the toing and froing, the journeys across the Atlantic and the issuing of various drafts did not come to fruition. There was no resolution in the form of an agreement that could be accepted by all sides. We know that the flags, parades and legacy issues are very serious. As long as the prisoner issue, which we have discussed previously, is not resolved, prisoners in the North will face injustice and peace will be threatened. As the Tánaiste knows, a group from the Dáil has been visiting republican and loyalist prisoners in the North. It is obvious that there are issues in this regard. When licences are revoked without reasons being given, people are left on remand for three or four years and draconian conditions are proposed when releases are being considered. It does not contribute to the process we are discussing. This aspect of the matter must also be addressed.

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