Written answers

Wednesday, 9 November 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Northern Ireland Issues

6:00 pm

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 54: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support additional legal measures to oblige the British Government to hold a proper inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane. [31047/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Following the meeting of the Finucane family with Prime Minister Cameron in Downing Street on 11 October last when they were informed of the British Government's decision to proceed with a non-judicial Review, rather than a judicial Inquiry, into the Pat Finucane case, I was in contact with the Secretary of State to inform him personally that our Government fully shared the family's disappointment with the decision. A meeting with the family was subsequently arranged and I met Geraldine Finucane and members of the family, together with their legal representative, on 17 October. I reiterated the Irish Government's long-standing support for the family and confirmed our commitment to the fulfilment of the obligations made by both the British and Irish Governments at Weston Park. It was agreed that we would continue consultations with the family and their legal representative with a view to determining how best to proceed. This process is ongoing.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 55: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on discussions regarding the cross-Border implementation bodies. [31048/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Discussions regarding the cross-border implementation bodies, as well as Tourism Ireland, are ongoing within their different spheres of operations. Sectoral meetings of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) involving the cross-border bodies and the relevant Departments have been taking place on a regular basis. There was a discussion about the cross-border bodies at the NSMC Institutional meeting on 3 October in Belfast in which I myself participated, as did the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Minister Kennedy on the northern side.

The Council noted progress in respect of the bodies' Corporate and Business Plans and the implementation of cumulative efficiency savings. A review of Financial Memoranda of the cross-border bodies is underway, and a report on progress will be provided to the next NSMC Institutional meeting in spring 2012.

The Council noted that the Boards of the cross-border bodies are due for renewal in December 2011 and that nominations will be brought forward for approval at the NSMC Plenary meeting, which will take place later this month in Armagh. Revised reduced remuneration rates for Board members were agreed, to take effect from December 2011.

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