Visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Belfast

An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha               Preas Ráiteas

Department of Foreign Affairs                Press Release

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 Visit of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to Belfast

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin, TD, will hold a series of meetings in Belfast today, Wednesday 11 November, following a North South Ministerial Council Meeting hosted by the First and deputy First Ministers.

Minister Martin will pay a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. William Hay MLA. He will also meet with the SDLP leader Mark Durkan and several of his Assembly colleagues to discuss recent developments in Northern Ireland.

During the course of his visit to Belfast, Minister Martin will meet members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, including the Chief Commissioner Ms Monica McWilliams:

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to visit the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and to discuss its current activities. The work of the Commission continues to play a significant role in the promotion and protection of rights in Northern Ireland.”

Minister Martin will also visit the offices of the Policing Board, where he will meet with the Chairman and Vice Chairman:

““I am pleased to be visiting the Policing Board’s Headquarters today. It is an opportunity to meet the Chairman, Mr. Barry Gilligan, and the Vice Chairman, Mr. Brian Rea, to be briefed on the ongoing work of the Board and to discuss current policing issues in Northern Ireland.”

Ends+++

Press Office

10 November 2009