Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report the meeting or the arena in which the Government raised with the DUP the issue of the DUP's role in sectarianism. [21538/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has discussed the issue of sectarianism with the DUP on a number of occasions in recent months. On 18 November 2005, a meeting was held between the Government and a DUP delegation at Government Buildings. The context at that time included the attacks that had taken place in North Antrim and elsewhere during the summer of 2005 and the violence that had occurred during the Whiterock parade in September 2005. At that meeting, the Government raised the issue of sectarian attacks and intimidation and called for strong political leadership in condemning such incidents.

At discussions which took place between the two Governments and the DUP on 6 February 2006 in Hillsborough, I raised directly with the DUP Delegation our concerns about the patterns of attacks in North Antrim, and about the need for that party to play an active part in trying to combat all forms of sectarianism and sectarian attitudes.

However, this is not solely an issue for any one political party in Northern Ireland. All those in positions of leadership have a major role to play in eradicating sectarianism. It is vitally important that all incidents of sectarian violence be condemned consistently, unequivocally and unambiguously by every political party in Northern Ireland. Leaders must condemn sectarian attitudes and actions that can poison minds and create the climate for violence. Above all, leaders should be working to reduce tensions and promote reconciliation, particularly during the summer months.

The Government has emphasised to all parties the need to work towards a society based on tolerance and mutual respect, as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement. We believe that the full implementation of the Agreement would be an important step towards achieving this aim.