Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

57. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, with members of the Northern Ireland Executive or with political party leaders in relation to the thuggery and violence over the weekend of the 12, 13 and 14 July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36567/13]

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

The violence and disrespect for the rule of law we have witnessed in Belfast over recent days are against everything the peace process means and the fundamental values of the decent people of that city and of the island of Ireland. The rule of law must be respected, even when people disagree with lawful decisions of the Parades Commission. In my conversations with Secretary of State Villiers and Minister Ford over the weekend I expressed the Irish Government's appreciation for the work of the PSNI in protecting communities from this violence in very difficult circumstances.

The attacks on the police, which have now led to over seventy officers being injured, are simply unacceptable and appalling. We are at one with the British Government and all right thinking people in Northern Ireland in our commitment and determination to uphold the law, support the police and the further development of the process of peace and reconciliation in Ireland. Irish government officials are working closely with British counterparts and the local institutions in Northern Ireland on these matters. I will meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland next week to discuss these and other issues.

I also look forward to the outcome of the all party talks which will be held in the autumn under the Chairmanship of former US Special Envoy, Richard Haass. The All Party Group, which is to be established as part of the Together: Building a United Community Strategy, is due to make recommendations on a range of contentious issues including parades and protests.