Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

55. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the recent contact he has had with the British and Northern Ireland authorities regarding prisoner conditions and issues. [22273/14]

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

64. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Justice Minister the issue of prisoners being held in the care and supervision unit in Maghaberry for months with no access to the separated wings, isolated, forcibly and repeatedly strip searched, and subjected to approaches by State agencies in total breach of human rights. [23074/14]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 64 together.

I have regular comprehensive discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, most recently on 21 May, about the overall situation in the North and the peace process. I discuss a number of issues regularly with her, including the threats posed by so-called dissident republicans, as well as attacks by loyalist paramilitaries and criminals on the PSNI and communities. I have also discussed the deplorable attacks on members of the PSNI and the Prison Service with her, and the ongoing threat to the lives of prison staff. I have in the past raised with the Secretary of State a small number of cases which arise from the exercise by her of certain non devolved powers in relation to national security issues. My officials in the British Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast monitor such cases on an ongoing basis.

My government colleagues and I meet regularly with the Minister for Justice of Northern Ireland, David Ford MLA, to discuss prisons, policing and criminal justice matters, as well as other matters of mutual concern. In that regard, I should note the high level of co-operation that exists on justice issues between the two jurisdictions, and in particular the excellent co-operation which exists between An Garda Síochána and the PSNI. I should also note the exemplary relationship which exists between Minister Ford and successive Ministers for Justice since his appointment in 2010.

I wholeheartedly agree with Minister Ford's analysis that delivery of a reformed justice system has a major part to play in building and protecting a more positive future for Northern Ireland.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

56. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will push for the implementation of the Haass proposals in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22319/14]

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

I met with Dr Haass on 23 May when he visited Dublin after his visit to London on 22 May. We share the view that progress in the Party Leaders Talks is urgently needed. I remain convinced that the best way forward for dealing with important issues such as parades, flag and identity issues and dealing with the past, is the early, successful conclusion of these talks. Maintaining the status quo in relation to these issues is not a feasible or satisfactory option for anyone. I believe that there is a window of opportunity to reach agreement before the summer and I will continue to encourage the NI parties over the coming weeks towards that end.

The Irish and British governments are agreed on the need to make progress within the talks without further delay. I have remained in close contact in this regard with the Secretary of State, Ms Theresa Villiers, who I will meet next on Thursday 29 May when she is scheduled to visit Dublin.

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

57. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent comments by the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland regarding possible party political activities within the PSNI; if he and his Department are concerned about same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22603/14]

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

58. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has spoken to Secretary of State Villiers regarding the allegations made by the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland regarding possible activity within the PSNI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22604/14]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 58 together.

Since the replacement of the Royal Ulster Constabulary by the PSNI in 2001 as recommended by the Patten report in 1999, Northern Ireland has benefitted from a new beginning for policing and for public confidence in policing. As part of the transformation in policing accountability mechanisms are in place to hold the PSNI to account, including the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Policing Board. The Policing Board is an independent public body made up of Political and Independent Members tasked with ensuring an effective, efficient, impartial, representative and accountable police service which commands the confidence of the whole community. Criticisms and concerns about policing policy and operations are normally pursued through these bodies.

I note the comments made by the Deputy First Minister in relation to the PSNI on 1 May. I also note that on the evening of 3 May, the President of Sinn Féin, Mr Gerry Adams TD re-iterated his support for the PSNI, which I welcome. This statement of clarified earlier remarks and was in line with Sinn Féin's consistent support for policing since they joined the Northern Ireland Policing Board in 2007.