7 Dec 04 Northern Ireland Talks
9. Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent contacts with the political parties in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30931/04]
10. Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent contacts with the British Prime Minister in relation to the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30932/04]
17. Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his meeting with a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32413/04]
The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 17 together.
I met the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, on Friday, 5 November in Brussels. I met a Sinn Féin delegation led by Gerry Adams on Wednesday, 17 November and an SDLP delegation led by Mark Durkan on Monday, 22 November. I met Mr. Blair again in London on Wednesday, 24 November. I had an opportunity, during my visit to London, to have further contacts with the leaders of Sinn Féin and the SDLP, as well as the Rev. Ian Paisley. I met Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness again last week. We have maintained contact with the other Northern Ireland parties, including the UUP, throughout this process. I had a meeting with David Trimble in Dublin.
The two Governments and the parties have worked hard together to resolve and bring fair closure to all the outstanding issues. In recent days, the Governments have provided final versions of the documents which we hope will comprise the agreement we are seeking to achieve. The agreement, if accepted, will open the way to a comprehensive partnership on the basis of the Good Friday Agreement. As it offers an opportunity to consolidate peace and political stability in Northern Ireland, we have strongly recommended its acceptance. Later this evening, we expect to be advised on whether agreement has finally been reached. If an agreement has been reached, we expect that it will be revealed tomorrow. In any event, I will meet the British Prime Minister, Mr. Blair, tomorrow afternoon in Belfast. We will have an opportunity to review and assess the position at that time.
I met the Rev. Jesse Jackson on Monday, 8 November, when we discussed his visit to Northern Ireland later that week.
(later)
An Ceann Comhairle: That concludes Taoiseach's questions.
Mr. J. Higgins: Considering that Taoiseach's questions began five minutes late, a little leeway should be given on the other side.
An Ceann Comhairle: We have already gone beyond the time set for the beginning of questions to the Minister for Transport. Standing Order 45 is quite specific.
Mr. J. Higgins: It is disrespectful to those Deputies who have been waiting to address questions to the Taoiseach.
An Ceann Comhairle: I appreciate that Deputies Joe Higgins and Sargent have submitted questions and that other Members have their names on the list.
Mr. Sargent: I wish to make a point of order. In keeping order in the House, the Ceann Comhairle might remind Members that a number of Deputies have questions on this matter. It is obvious that questioners and those answering, especially the Taoiseach, could be more succinct.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Chair does its best to ensure that Members submit questions. The Chair has no control over a Minister answering questions.
Mr. Sargent: A word in the right direction would be appropriate.