Written answers

Tuesday, 12 October 2004

Department of Foreign Affairs

Northern Ireland Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Charlie O'ConnorCharlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 127: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent historic meeting with the DUP leadership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24395/04]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 30 September, together with the Taoiseach, I met a DUP delegation at Government Buildings. The delegation was headed by the leader of the party, Dr. Ian Paisley. This meeting was the first with the DUP leadership to be held in Dublin and was a welcome opportunity to discuss further the outstanding issues from the Leeds Castle talks.

As we made clear in the joint statement after these talks, both Governments are of the view that the issues relating to the ending of paramilitary activity and decommissioning can be resolved. However, consensus was not achieved at Leeds Castle regarding possible changes to the operation of the institutions in strands one, two and three. These issues have been the subject of discussions with and between the parties in the last three weeks.

The meeting with the DUP at Government Buildings was focused on these outstanding issues. The Taoiseach briefed the DUP delegation on the ongoing efforts to bring the required clarity and certainty to the question of ending paramilitary activity and capability. In addition, the Government stressed that any changes to the political institutions must respect the fundamental power-sharing and partnership principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

We also emphasised to the DUP the importance of building on the momentum of the Leeds Castle talks and of securing early progress on all of the outstanding issues. The Government is committed to achieving a comprehensive agreement for Northern Ireland that facilitates a restoration of the political institutions at an early date. To do so, we will continue to liaise closely with the British Government and the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly, including the DUP.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.