Leaking of sensitive documents "harmful" to the peace process - Minister Andrews
Leaking of sensitive documents "harmful" to the peace process
- Minister Andrews
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews, TD, has said that he deplored the leaking of sensitive internal documents belonging to the Department, and publication of excerpts from them. "Whoever leaked this material ought to have realised how harmful that such actions can be to the peace process".
"The Department of Foreign Affairs has for many years been active in maintaining contact with all strands of opinion in Northern Ireland. The work done by the Department has a vital role to play in keeping the Government of the day informed of developments related to the peace process, and it is vital that this work continues".
"Successive governments have profited from the advice of officials possessing an up-to-date knowledge of the situation in Northern Ireland. It is most unfortunate that this work has now been jeopardised by the leaking of confidential internal reports which were never intended for publication, and which have now become a source of public controversy".
"I should like to extend my appreciation to the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Spring, for his understanding comments on this issue". Top
