Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the progress made to date in regard to encouraging all political parties in Northern Ireland to support the PSNI and to take their seats on the Policing Board; if he will insist on the need for all parties to support the PSNI to be a central part of upcoming agreement on political progress in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13128/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government continues to encourage all sections of the community and all political parties to give their support to the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach and I have repeatedly reiterated that there should be no further delay by Sinn Féin in endorsing these new arrangements including by joining the Policing Board and participating fully in the work of the district policing partnerships. It has been widely acknowledged, including by the independent Oversight Commissioner, that the PSNI has undergone a wide-ranging transformation in recent years, and is now one of the most accountable policing services worldwide. It merits the active support of all sections of the community.

The Government has also made clear that support for policing remains a critical element in putting in place a new political dispensation for Northern Ireland. There is no doubt that a positive decision by Sinn Féin on the policing issue could greatly facilitate the political process. The Government will continue to press for progress in this area in the crucial period ahead.