Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to recently planned guidelines for community restorative justice schemes in Northern Ireland; if he has met with Northern Ireland Minister, Mr. David Hanson, to discuss these schemes; if he has met with political parties from Northern Ireland on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39429/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The criminal justice review, established pursuant to the Good Friday Agreement, considered the question of community restorative justice schemes in the context of strengthening support for the criminal justice system. It concluded that, in certain circumstances, such schemes had a useful role to play, but emphasised the need to operate within certain well defined criteria. As part of the implementation of the review, the British Government undertook to prepare guidelines for the operation of restorative justice schemes, and these were published as a consultative document earlier this month.

In the context of ongoing discussions, we have had an opportunity to discuss this issue with the political parties and with the British Government, as well as with other interests. We are aware of the concerns expressed by various stakeholders, and will wish to ensure that any decisions in this area are consistent with the commitment to a widely supported policing service.

In considering proposals for change, the Government has emphasised its view that any programme should adhere to best international practice, must be human rights-compliant and have acceptable arrangements with regard to the handling of complaints. We have above all emphasised the need to operate in a manner which underpins the new dispensation in policing, and which contributes to the full implementation of the Patten recommendations. Indeed, it seems clear that progress on policing is inevitably closely linked with the scope for the development of community restorative justice and related programmes. We will remain in close touch with the political parties and the British Government on this matter.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he was present at the meeting between the Taoiseach and the SDLP in Government Buildings on 5 December 2005; if he will report on this meeting; his views on the SDLP's specific proposals in regard to "on-the-runs"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39430/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I participated with the Taoiseach at the meeting with the SDLP on 5 December 2005. We had a constructive meeting, during which we discussed the way forward for the political process. We also discussed a range of other issues, including North-South co-operation and the proposed British legislation dealing with "on-the-runs".

With regard to the political process, the Taoiseach and I reiterated our commitment to work with all the parties to restore confidence and rebuild momentum. We made clear that our objective remained the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland at the earliest opportunity next year.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review recent encouraging developments in the area of North-South co-operation. We welcomed the momentum generated by the SDLP's "North-South Makes Sense" campaign, which is having a positive impact. We also reviewed the scope for further work, including in the north west, given the recent joint commitment by the two Governments to work together to foster economic growth in the north-west region. With respect to the issue of "on-the-runs", OTRs, the Taoiseach recalled the commitment of both Governments to address the issue of OTRs at Weston Park in 2001 and their undertaking, as part of the Joint Declaration in 2003, to bring forward proposals on the issue within their respective legislative and constitutional framework. In that context, the SDLP outlined its position with regard to OTRs, and indicated that the party would be seeking various changes to the draft legislation submitted by the British Government, during its consideration by the British Parliament. We agreed to keep in touch on these and other issues in the period ahead.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of his undertaking 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 the Government approach to issues such as "on-the-runs" contradict the spirit of building good community relations in Northern Ireland; the extent to which the shared future initiative governs official policy on Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39431/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The importance of building trust and improving community relations, tackling sectarianism and addressing segregation in Northern Ireland was acknowledged in the rights, identity and community section of the Joint Declaration published by the two Governments in 2003. The British Government was specifically mandated in the document to review good community relations and to bring forward a strategic and integrated good relations policy. The shared future initiative referred to by the Deputy was developed in response to this mandate.

The most recent shared future document, which was published on 21 March 2005, lays out a comprehensive approach to the promotion of good relations between the communities in Northern Ireland. As I outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 336 of 2 November, the Government welcomes the overall approach recommended in the document and maintains an ongoing dialogue with the British Government on improving community relations in Northern Ireland. We also keep in touch with the situation at community level through regular engagement with local representatives, with members of the NGO and academic community and with representatives of the relevant official bodies.

The task of building a shared future is particularly important in dealing with the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland. In this regard, and in the context of acts of completion, both Governments gave a commitment at Weston Park in 2001, and in the Joint Declaration in 2003, to bring forward proposals within their respective legislative and constitutional frameworks to deal with the issue of "on-the-runs". While I appreciate there are concerns with regard to certain aspects of the proposals, I believe it appropriate that these issues be addressed at this time. We will, of course, wish to ensure that the proposals do not impede the task of establishing the truth with regard to the large number of unsolved cases in Northern Ireland. I believe however that, properly handled, and in the context of a comprehensive approach, this process can help to bring about closure.