Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

152. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to the First Minister and or Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland regarding the recently announced judicial review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12778/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The two Governments made an undertaking to advance schemes to deal with On the Runs (OTRs) in both jurisdictions at Weston Park in July 2001 and in the Joint Declaration of April 2003. Following the Weston Park Agreement, the British government set up an administrative scheme to deal with OTRs. While the Government was not directly involved in the establishment of this scheme, nor was a similar scheme established in this jurisdiction, we would see the administrative scheme for OTRs established by the British government as a natural progression from the agreement made at Weston Park.

On 27 February Prime Minister Cameron announced that he would appoint a judge to provide an independent review of the OTRs scheme in light of the errors identified in the John Downey case. The terms of reference of the review are:

- to produce a full public account of the operation and extent of the administrative scheme for OTRs

- to determine whether any letters sent through the scheme contained errors

- to make recommendations as necessary on this or related matters that are drawn to the attention of the inquiry

I continue to maintain regular and ongoing contact with not only the First Minister and deputy First Minister but with the other Party Leaders in the context of the ongoing political talks. I will continue to emphasise the need for a successful conclusion to these talks, and the need to deal with the legacy of the past in a meaningful and comprehensive manner.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

153. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to progress the completion of the Haass talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15252/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I met with the Secretary of State most recently on 31 March 2014 to discuss the current political talks and how to take forward the compromise proposals on contentious issues facing Northern Ireland. We welcomed last week's resumption of the talks between Party Leaders and we reaffirmed that we wish to see the Northern Ireland Parties reach agreement without further delay.

In the meantime our officials have been working together to ensure the two governments provide the closest possible support to the talks process. I have made clear to all participants and stakeholders that there is now a unique opportunity to make further progress. I will continue my engagement with the Northern Ireland Political Parties and the British Government to that end.