Written answers

Tuesday, 21 February 2006

Department of An Taoiseach

Northern Ireland Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 178: To ask the Taoiseach if assistance will be given to the family of the late Mr. Pat Finucane in their efforts for truth and justice; and if the British Government will be challenged on this issue. [6392/06]

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The family of Mr. Pat Finucane have our full and continuing support in their tireless efforts over many years to achieve the full truth in this disturbing case. The Government continues to support a full independent public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Patrick Finucane. We have made clear that we want to see the standard agreed at Weston Park and set by Judge Cory adhered to. We continue to share the concern of the Finucane family that the new Inquiries Act, under which the British Government intends to have the Finucane case investigated, will not meet these standards. We have raised these concerns with the British Government.

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 179: To ask the Taoiseach if he will urgently push for inclusive negotiations in getting the Executive up and running in the North of Ireland. [6472/06]

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government remains fully committed to the peace process and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I met the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, in Farmleigh on 26 January. The close and concerted co-operation between the two Governments remains vital as we seek to bring finality to outstanding issues and achieve the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. In our joint statement following this meeting, we emphasised the importance of making progress in 2006 and we indicated that the forthcoming talks with the Northern Ireland political parties would have the aim of setting out the arrangements and timetable for the restoration of the institutions as soon as possible. We made clear that the early restoration of the devolved institutions is in the best interests of everyone in Northern Ireland.

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