Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has to meet the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the party leaders in Northern Ireland on the need to progress the Haass talks to a successful conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32166/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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On the evening of my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I spoke by telephone with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. Our conversation largely focused on the prospects for the 12^thJuly parades, which were taking place the following day, but also touched upon the need to resume political dialogue on the Haass issues. I also had brief conversations that evening with the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and the Leader of the SDLP, Dr. Alasdair McDonnell. I spoke yesterday by phone to First Minister, Peter Robinson, and Ihope to make contact with the other party leaders in the coming days. I intend to visit Northern Ireland later this month and expect that my programme will include a meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and other political leaders.

Given the worrying political drift in recent weeks, it is crucial that momentum and confidence is restored to the political process in Northern Ireland. In that regard, I hope that Northern Ireland’s party leaders will shortly resume talks on a comprehensive and balanced framework for addressing issues including flags, parades, and dealing with the past. Such complex and contentious issues require leadership and constructive engagement.