Written answers

Wednesday, 2 February 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Northern Ireland Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the proposal of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons to hold an inquiry into Reconciliation: Dealing with Northern Ireland's Past; his views on whether it is appropriate for the committee to deal with this issue; if he has discussed it with British Government representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2753/05]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In November 2004, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee of the British House of Commons announced that it would hold an inquiry entitled "Reconciliation: Dealing with Northern Ireland's Past". The Irish Embassy has been in contact with the committee with regard to this particular inquiry.

Mr. Michael Mates, chairman of the committee has stated publicly that the committee recognises that dealing with Northern Ireland's past is first and foremost a matter for the people of Northern Ireland themselves. Last week the committee extended its deadline for submissions to have the opportunity to hear from a wide a range of victim and community groups across Northern Ireland. Due to the sensitivity of the issues involved, evidence will be given in private.

On 26 January the committee heard evidence from six victims groups and a further two sessions are planned for 2 and 9 February. The inquiry is expected to be lengthy and unlikely to be completed in advance of the British general election due later this year.

The Government has closely followed the preliminary discussions on how to deal with the past in Northern Ireland and the Minister for Foreign Affairs has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in the context of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The Irish Embassy in London will continue to liaise with the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and report on the sessions and the outcome of this particular inquiry.

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