Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 333: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs, given his reply of 2 November 2005, and specifically his commitment to monitor progress in implementing commitments from the British and Irish Governments arising from the joint declaration relating to community relations as ultimately expressed in the shared future initiative, his views on whether there is a conflict between this commitment and the unilateral decisions taken on sensitive subjects relating to Northern Ireland, such as the Easter parade at the GPO and speaking rights for Northern MPs in Dáil Éireann without prior consultation with political parties in the South or public and civic figures in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34098/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Paragraphs 27 to 29 of the joint declaration summarise the initiatives which are to be taken by the British Government to enable communities, both loyalist and nationalist, to become committed stakeholders in a peaceful and prosperous society. The British Government was specifically mandated in paragraph 27 of the joint declaration to review good community relations and to bring forward a strategic and integrated good relations policy. The Shared Future document arises from this mandate. As previously stated, the recommendations contained in the document relate to actions to be taken by Departments, agencies and public authorities in Northern Ireland. It is important to note that neither the commitments in the joint declaration on community relations nor the recommendations in the Shared Future document are directed at this Government.

The Government believes that the Easter rising should be commemorated in an appropriate manner. There is no conflict between this position and having respect for the history and identity of people in Northern Ireland or elsewhere. The objective should be to respect everyone's history and identity in a sensitive and open way and to recognise all aspects of our shared history as an integral part of the process of building a shared future.

The Government has not made any proposal for speaking rights for Northern MPs in Dáil Éireann. The Taoiseach's recent proposals for Oireachtas participation were based on the report of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution and involve participation through the committee system. That report was the subject of wide public debate and consultation. The current proposals are the subject of ongoing discussion. Some parties in Northern Ireland support the proposal, while others have expressed opposition.