Vol. 397 No. 9
4 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the present position in regard to his invitation to political representatives of unionism to meet him without pre-conditions; and if he will take any further steps in order to allow such discussions to proceed.
My invitation stands. I have made clear that I would place no restrictions on the agenda for such a meeting and that I have a completely open mind about the structure, venue or channels for any discussion that might be envisaged.
Would the Tánaiste agree the Taoiseach has been talking in terms of possible talks with unionist representatives for well over a year, with no concrete results? Does he consider it might be time for the Government to take some initiatives with a view to removing the roadblock that seems to exist in the way of these talks rather than simply sitting there expressing their willingness to talk without pre-conditions? Would the Tánaiste agree that some initiatives might be taken by the Government to try to reach out to the unionist community, without whom we cannot have a satisfactory solution to this problem?
I think the Deputy is aware of the relevant meeting in this context with the Ministers for Justice and for Foreign Affairs at the Anglo-Irish Conference last Friday and Saturday, which dealt with this matter and which shows an element of progress. The Taoiseach's subsequent meeting with the British Prime Minister indicates that this matter is at present proceeding along the lines we would wish in a constructive manner. That is the precise up-to-date position which is really in context as far as the Deputy's question is concerned.
Would the Tánaiste agree that there have been many hopeful signs like this before, only to find that events occurred which subsequently dashed those hopes? Does he at least consider that the Government, rather than simply expressing a willingness to engage in these talks, should find out by whatever channels are available to them the actions they could take which would be within their own policy parameters and which would perhaps represent some form of enticement to the Unionist community to enter into dialogue? In other words, the Government must not adopt what appears to be a rather passive approach in this matter.
All I can do is to repeat what I have just said, that two Government Ministers and the Taoiseach are very much involved in furthering this process. A meeting took place on Friday and Saturday of last week and, hopefully, progress can be made.
Would the Tánaiste join with me in welcoming the reported remarks of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in Downpatrick yesterday which, while not exactly optimistic, were at least hopeful? This apparent movement ought to be encouraged in every way possible by this Government, always remembering, of course, that any form of political dialogue at this stage in Northern Ireland circumstances is a very fragile plant that needs to be nurtured carefully and with sensitivity. In those circumstances maximum encouragement behind the scenes as well as publicly ought to be given to those involved in these delicate explorations.
Hear, hear.
Deputy Currie has advanced a reasonable view, which I share, of the manner in which this whole matter should be approached at present.
