Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to say in the context of this debate that while there are genuine and real concerns about this case, I know that all in this House will agree there is no place for violence or the threat of violence in the pursuit of political aims in Northern Ireland or anywhere in this island. We again call on all those dissident republican groups which have not yet done so to renounce violence and to commit to exclusively democratic pursuit of political aims. I also pay tribute to the work of An Garda Síochána in dealing with ongoing activities and threats posed by dissident groups which have not committed to a peaceful way forward. It is important to say that.

I take the Deputy's concerns but there are issues here which clearly others believe are relevant in terms of the ongoing detention of Mr. Taylor. We will continue to raise the concerns that have been raised in this House. They are legitimate. I will be talking to the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, tomorrow but I will put those concerns in writing also. Those conversations have taken place between my officials and officials in the Northern Ireland Office.

As I say, our approach will be to continue to monitor this case closely because the case, and the way in which it is handled, has broader repercussions in terms of the broader community in Derry. It needs to be handled sensitively and appropriately and we will engage, as we always do, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and her team in that regard.

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