Minister O'Donnell and Secretary of State open Glencree Extension

The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Liz O'Donnell, TD, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Dr Mo Mowlam today jointly opened the new "Wicklow Wing" of the Glencree Reconciliation Centre.

Minister O'Donnell said that we stood today on the "threshold of a potentially momentous new era in the life of this island and in Anglo-Irish relations". The Multi-party Talks had entered a decisive phase, she said, and she shared the optimism of Dr Mowlam that a comprehensive settlement could be reached within the May deadline.

"The peace process cannot succeed without forgiveness and reconciliation. Political and Community leaders must move from the language of conflict and grievance to the language of reconciliation," the Minister said. Praising the work of Glencree in promoting reconciliation, she said that partnership and reconciliation at all levels had to be at the heart of the new agreed Ireland. Minister O'Donnell continued: "that will require change on all our parts. But change will not be easy. Change requires risks, courage and leadership. Change can heighten fears. But there is no alternative. The status quo of the last thirty years has brought loss of life on an extraordinary scale and retarded the development of Ireland, North and South. We all need a fresh start. The economic advances of recent years in both jurisdictions have highlighted the vast potential of the island and its people. We are determined and confident that the Talks will produce a settlement which can enable that potential to be realised to the full".

The Minister praised the courageous decision of Prime Minister Blair to order a new inquiry into the events of Bloody Sunday. She went on: "I believe that the decision also reflects a new maturity in Anglo-Irish relations. I would like to pay tribute to the work and support of Tony Blair and Mo Mowlam in that regard. The close partnership of the two Governments will continue to be central to the business of reaching a durable, honourable settlement".

While the Governments and parties were charged with the responsibility of negotiating a settlement, the role of groups such as Glencree was critical in ensuring that the process of reconciliation and change was deep and enduring, the Minister said. "Glencree's work in this area in the three years since it has reopened is especially valuable", she said. "This is recognised too in Northern Ireland as is demonstrated by the enormous increase in the numbers participating in Glencree's peace-building initiatives from 600 in 1994 to almost 4,500 last year."

The Minister of State continued "the Irish Government recognise the work of the centre not just in word but also in deed; substantial funds have been allocated to Glencree from the Department of Foreign Affairs and through the International Fund for Ireland IEP150,000 has been contributed to the renovation of the Wicklow Wing."

Note for editors: The Glencree Centre for Reconciliation was founded originally in 1974, mainly in response to the violence in Northern Ireland. Its aim is to promote good relationships between Ireland and its neighbours, especially Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the European Union. The Centre provides facilities for those involved in peace-building and reconciliation, both as individuals and groups.

The Centre was closed from 1988 to 1994, while a reevaluation of its work was being carried out. It reestablished itself in 1994 and since then has concentrated on promoting reconciliation in Northern Ireland and on the improvement of Anglo-Irish relations. It is the only full-time residential peace and reconciliation centre south of the border.

Glencree has been consistently one of the largest beneficiaries of grants from the Department of Foreign Affairs' budget. In 1994, 1996 and 1997, it received £50,000. In 1995, it received a once-off capital grant of £95,000 for its infra-structural development programme.

The Department also facilitated the granting of the £150,000 from the Community Bridges Programme (aimed at promoting good relations between peoples of different religious and cultural backgrounds) of the IFI for the building of the new "Wicklow Wing" being opened by the Minister of State today. It will increase the residential capacity of the Centre from 30 to 70 beds.Top