Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent initiatives he has taken or proposes to take in relation to the urgent need to reach agreement on the proposals outlined by Ambassador Haass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19908/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I spoke with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland most recently on Tuesday when we discussed the talks and in particular the need to find a way to deal better and more comprehensively with the legacy of the past. I am firmly of the view that Northern Ireland urgently requires a new way forward on dealing with the past that can command public confidence. We agreed also that the early successful conclusion of the political talks represents the best opportunity to make progress across all three important areas of parades, flag and identity issues and dealing with the past. Maintaining the status quo in relation to these issues is not a feasible or satisfactory option for anyone.

I welcome that the NI party leaders are continuing to meet and to make progress. It is regrettable however that the UUP is not participating currently in these discussions which are focussed on issues of genuine concern to so many people. It is in the best interests of Northern Ireland that agreement is reached without further delay. I will continue to engage closely with the NI parties and the British Government over the coming weeks towards that end.