Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has raised the serious recent incidents of violence in Belfast with the Minister for Justice of the Northern Ireland Executive; if he will raise in particular the outrageous attacks on the home of a SDLP Councillor in Belfast by certain criminal elements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1522/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have spoken with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, regarding the violence in Belfast and other towns in Northern Ireland in recent weeks.

We are at one in our strong concern at the attacks on the PSNI and the threats that have against public representatives from all parties, including attacks on their homes and offices. I am sure this concern is also shared by this House.

There is also a widespread concern at the ongoing disruption to civic life in Northern Ireland, particularly to normal, commercial activity in Belfast. This ongoing street violence simply cannot be justified. There is no excuse for repeatedly subjecting the PSNI to vicious attacks and the elements who are orchestrating this violence are seeking only to create chaos. The threats and attacks against public representatives are also outrageous and must cease. If there are political issues to be addressed in Northern Ireland, the only way to do so is through peaceful and committed engagement in the democratic process. In this connection, the Deputy will be aware that the Tánaiste, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, First Minister and Deputy First Minister will meet later this week and will discuss recent events.