Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the British Government's recently published Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill dealing with on-the-runs; if he has made the views of the Government known to the British Government regarding this legislation; if he had consultation with the British Government regarding the content of the legislation prior to its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39273/05]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals for dealing with on-the-runs in this jurisdiction; the latest Government proposals in this regard; if presidential pardons are still considered the best option; the reason no scheme involving temporary licences has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39274/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 70 together.

Both Governments gave a commitment to address the issue of OTRs at Weston Park in 2001 and, as part of the Joint Declaration of 2003, undertook to bring forward proposals on the issue within their respective legislative and constitutional framework. In the context of recent acts of completion, both Governments were of the view that this issue had to be addressed.

The British Government has recently published legislative proposals for dealing with OTRs in its jurisdiction. While this is a matter primarily for the British Government, I am aware that concerns have been expressed with regard to a number of aspects, including the decision to include the security forces within the scope of the legislation. The Government has conveyed its concerns about this particular aspect, which was not the subject of prior consultation, to the British authorities. The Government will continue to monitor the progress of the legislation and, in particular, seek to ensure that the ongoing work of establishing the truth with regard to the large number of unsolved cases arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland is not impeded.

The proposals to deal with the issue in this jurisdiction are the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I refer the Deputy to the Minister's statement of 8 November on this matter.