Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
98. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the violence in Derry up to and including 12 July 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33005/18]
View answer132. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following the recent violence in Belfast and Derry regarding the urgent need to have the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34480/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 132 together.
I am very concerned by the violence which we recently witnessed in Derry and Belfast. I have visited Derry twice in the last ten days to show my support for the communities affected. All those whom I met were united in their condemnation of it and resolute in their determination to ensure that there is not a return to the violence of the past.
It is important to say that the majority of bonfires in Northern Ireland on 11 July passed without serious incident. There were however a number of disturbances in East Belfast and, as with the violence in Derry, I condemn these actions unreservedly.
I want to acknowledge and commend the tireless work of the PSNI and the Fire Service of Northern Ireland, who worked extremely hard to keep people safe.
I welcome the leadership shown by political and civic leaders from across both communities in recent weeks. It is important that all leaders make clear their commitment to the rule of law and the rejection of any violence.
The past few weeks have shown that the absence of an Executive and Assembly has created a political vacuum which can be exploited by sinister elements. It demonstrates clearly how important is it to have a fully functioning, locally accountable devolved administration in Northern Ireland as a cornerstone of the implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.
I am committed to continuing to work with the Secretary of State and the political parties to reach this goal. Tomorrow the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charles Flanagan T.D., and I will be in London for the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference at which these issues will be discussed.
