Tánaiste comments on promised legislation on NI Parades

Responding to media queries, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dick Spring, TD, has made the following comments on the announcement of the British Government's intention to introduce legislation on contentious parades in Northern Ireland.

"Since the publication of the North Report, the Government has consistently called for the full and early implementation of its recommendations.

Today's confirmation of the British Government's intention to legislate to equip the Parades Commission with the full powers proposed for it by the North Report is therefore a welcome development.

While it would have been preferable if circumstances had permitted the proposed legislation to be in place for the current marching season, we hope nonetheless that the Commission will find ways of making a positive contribution to dialogue and mediation in the interim.

Regardless of the timing of this legislation, it behoves all concerned with the problems posed by contentious parades to redouble their efforts to ensure that a further damaging polarisation does not occur during this year's marching season. It is essential that a culture of compromise based on local dialogue should develop with regard to contentious marches and that the rule of law be fully respected. After the deplorable sectarian murders of recent days, no effort must be spared in promoting dialogue on the parades issue".Top