Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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136. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increased tensions in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30670/14]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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137. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding Unionist leaders pulling out of Stormont talks on parades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30672/14]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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138. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the Haass talks process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30673/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 to 138, inclusive, together.

The escalation of events in Northern Ireland over the past two weeks is a matter of serious concern to the Government. The decision of the unionist parties to withdraw from the party leaders talks was disappointing. Ensuring that Northern Ireland's institutions deliver for its people is a challenge that requires leadership and constructive engagement in the face of complex, contentious issues. When the Taoiseach spoke with Prime Minister Cameron last week, both leaders underlined their support for the Good Friday Agreement institutions, as well as calling for dialogue and calm during the marching season. The Government supports the Parades Commission and the PSNI as they do a difficult job in demanding circumstances.

The urgently required framework for dealing with the issue of parades, flags and dealing with the legacy of the past will only be delivered through dialogue. As such, I hope that the five party leaders will resume discussions at an early opportunity. This is a sensitive time and the autumn will be a crucial period for putting the talks process back on track and fully implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

As the situation develops, the Government continues to stay in close contact with counterparts in the British Government and Northern Ireland Executive, both at political and official level. As well as speaking with Prime Minister Cameron, the Taoiseach met SDLP and Sinn Féin delegations on Monday 7 July and spoke by phone to the leader of the Alliance Party, David Ford. I spoke with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, on Friday 11 July, and plan to visit Northern Ireland at an early opportunity.