Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have heard many comments from Sinn Féin spokespersons saying they blocked austerity in Northern Ireland, but clearly the budget and its implementation is a matter for the parties in the Northern Ireland Executive. The role and responsibility of this Government and the British Government in regard to the matters that are the subject of the Stormont House Agreement is to work with the parties. The implications of the budget and the allocation of resources or moneys from the British Government are matters that were discussed between the Prime Minister and the First and Deputy First Ministers. Despite all of the difficulties over the past years, it was not a case of reducing numbers of teachers and other essential services and they are now in a position of being able to continue to recruit teachers.

I agree with Deputy Martin on the truth of some of the issues he raised following his visit to Northern Ireland. The level and degree of co-operation between the Government and Ministers of State is very strong and visits take place regularly. The next North-South Ministerial Council will take place in early summer 2015 and I understand a great deal of cross-Border work goes on at that. The peace dividend arising from the European Presidency we held continues and we want to see it continue further. We have been supportive of the decision made by the British Government to allow our corporation tax rate to become the subject of examination and decision by the Northern Ireland Assembly. I have often made the point that this is a small island and clearly, it is a matter for Northern Ireland as to how it wants to make up the money it may lose in the context of reducing the overall corporate tax rate and of how we present the island of Ireland as an attractive location for industry and investment.

As happened in Deputy Martin's time in government, we continue the process of engaging with Northern Ireland Executive Members. They participated in the flow of information, through our Presidency of the European Union, and we have co-operated with representatives from Northern Ireland on trade missions abroad. Some of these visits took place at the same time as our Presidency and included personnel who represented the Northern Ireland Executive, in most cases the First and Deputy First Ministers.

On the question of parades, it must be borne in mind that the parties themselves invited Dr. Haass to Northern Ireland originally to attempt to breach some of the gaps that had arisen and that the parties wish to agree on a number of matters where they feel there is agreement. The Stormont House Agreement states that powers to take responsibility for parades and for related protests should be devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and that the remaining issues in that regard, including a code of conduct, criteria and accountability must be addressed in legislation. The Assembly is one where legislation can be drafted and put through. This legislation will focus on the rights and responsibilities of those involved in or affected by parades and related protests, with proper regard for fundamental rights protected by the European Court of Human Rights.

I understand from the agreement that the Offices of the First and Deputy First Ministers will bring forward proposals to the Northern Ireland Executive by June of this year and there will be full public consultation in regard to any legislation proposed. It is by agreement of the parties themselves that responsibility for the issue should be devolved to the Assembly. Clearly, they know the ground very well.

In regard to issues of the past, this issue resulted in agreement after 11 weeks of intensive discussion. The issues in this regard included finance; welfare; flags; identity; culture; transition; parades; the past; institutional reforms; and outstanding commitments. The processes dealing with the past are to be victim centred. The United Kingdom and Irish Governments recognise there are outstanding investigations and allegations into Troubles related incidents, including a number of cross-Border incidents. They are committed to full co-operation with all the bodies involved to ensure their effective operation, to recognising their particular and distinctive functions and to bringing forward legislation where that might be necessary.

The Executive will, by 2016, establish an oral history archive to provide a central place for people from all backgrounds and from throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom to share experiences and narratives related to the Troubles. That archive will be independent and free of all political interference. A comprehensive mental trauma service will be implemented. It will operate within the NHS and will work closely with the victims' and survivors' service, which is important. The Deputies will also be aware that there will be a new independent body called the historical investigations unit which will take forward the investigations into deaths related to the period of the Troubles, including outstanding cases from the PSNI's historical inquiries team and the legacy work of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. The Department of Justice and Equality here and the Northern Ireland Office will work with senior members of the Judiciary to bring forward proposals for consultation to reform the way the legacy inquest function is conducted to better comply with the European Court of Human Rights Article 2 requirements. Such requirements include that it be reasonably expeditious, independent, effective, transparent and capable of securing accountability. That unit will be overseen by the Northern Ireland Policing Board and should be able to complete its work within five years of its establishment.

The agreement also provides for an independent commission on information retrieval to be established by the UK and Irish Governments. Its objective will be to enable victims and survivors privately to seek out and receive information about Troubles-related deaths. The commission's remit will cover both jurisdictions and will be entirely separate from the justice system. Once established, it will run for no more than five years. It will be led by four members - an independent chairperson, together with one member each nominated by the Executive and the Irish and British Governments. I assume that the information relevant to whatever case is in question will be made available to the persons who seek it. I hope that will be the case, even in some cases that are not part of the Stormont House Agreement.

The implementation and reconciliation group will be established to oversee themes, archives and information recovery. It will have 11 members and publicly elected representatives will not be eligible for appointment to that body. The chair, who will be independent and of international standing, will be nominated by the First and Deputy First Ministers. After five years, the group will report on those themes that are emerging. These are important issues which involve a lot of work and this Government will continue to work closely and effectively with the Executive and the members.

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