Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent killing of 15 year old Michael McIlveen in Ballymena; his further views on the need to make tackling sectarianism the number one priority for all parties in Northern Ireland and for the two Governments; his further views on the Shared Future initiative in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19725/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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On 8 May last, I wholeheartedly condemned the appalling sectarian attack on Michael McIlveen which led to his death. My thoughts continue to be with his family and friends who have shown such courage and dignity in the face of this tragedy.

This incident was a truly shocking reminder of the evil of sectarianism, and that sectarian hatred and violence still plague communities across Northern Ireland. As the Taoiseach said in the immediate aftermath of Michael's death, those responsible for this brutal crime stand condemned in the eyes of all decent people who yearn for a peaceful society in Northern Ireland. They must face the full rigours of the law as speedily as possible.

I welcome the fact that this sectarian killing has been condemned by the entire community in Northern Ireland. It is vitally important that all incidents of sectarianism be condemned consistently, unequivocally and unambiguously by every political party in Northern Ireland, and that leadership be shown in reducing tensions and promoting reconciliation between the communities. In this regard, I welcome moves by the Loyal Orders locally to voluntarily re-route a forthcoming parade away from the site of the attack on Michael McIlveen, as well as the decision not to proceed with a recent Hunger Strike commemoration in the town. I hope that this tragic death can, at the very least, lead to further instances of community sensitivity and local accommodation aimed at reducing tensions and avoiding further violence.

At the time of Michael's death, I called on all those in positions of influence and leadership to work unstintingly to combat all manifestations of sectarian hatred in their communities. I renew that call today.

Following the disturbing pattern of sectarian violence last summer, I held a number of meetings with victims of sectarian violence and local political representatives from the Antrim area, Belfast, and elsewhere. Officials of my Department also continue to meet on a regular basis with local community and political representatives in the areas most affected. We will continue to monitor the situation closely with regard to all instances of sectarian intimidation and violence as we approach this year's marching season.

The Shared Future initiative lays out a comprehensive approach to the promotion of good relations between all communities in Northern Ireland. The policy includes important initiatives to eliminate sectarianism and racism, steps to tackle inappropriate and aggressive displays of flags and emblems, initiatives to reduce tension at interface areas, and measures to promote opportunities for increased sharing in education.

I raised the future direction of the Shared Future initiative with Secretary of State Peter Hain at the most recent meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference on 2 May 2006. We agreed that active implementation on the ground will be key to ensure that the strategy's positive vision of a shared future for all is made a reality. It will be vital that the work now commenced via the recently launched Action Plan reaches into all aspects of life in Northern Ireland in order for progress to be made in promoting good community relations and in tackling the scourge of sectarianism once and for all.