The Royal Ulster Constabulary

7.   Mr Peter Temple-Morris (Leominster): To ask the Taoiseach how important he considers change in the structure and make-up of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is to a successful outcome of the peace process; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Peter Temple-Morris (Leominster) asked the Taoiseach if he agreed this was a vital area in terms of parity of esteem and security. He inquired how far they could get towards effecting change with regard to security and considered that to do so would require a clear sense of direction for the future. He wondered if the Taoiseach could help everyone along that route, referring in particular to the international independent commissions which deal with prisoner and policing issues and whether they are a seen as a means of retaining confidence as the referenda approach.

The Taoiseach agreed that those matters would help to give confidence; but a major reform of policing was needed for a settlement to work. The initial changes by the Secretary of State, Dr. Mowlam, were useful but not comprehensive enough, while some of the papers which have been discussed within the talks are helpful. The issue of policing was one of the crucial matters that must be finalised. For the Nationalist community, reform of policing was an essential aspect of a political settlement.

Policing opened up many other issues which would resolve a great deal of discontent and assist over the parades issue. His Government felt that the future police service in Northern Ireland had to reflect the community in terms of its composition and ethos, with equal esteem to the Nationalist and Unionist traditions. However, the RUC could not become a totally community based police force overnight. It was a difficult and sensitive issue.

The Chairman thanked the Taoiseach for his address to the Body on his plans and programmes. He noted that the Taoiseach had observed that many Members of the Body were involved over the years in searching for peace and prosperity and that there were younger people present who hopefully would take on the challenge. The Taoiseach bridged the past and the future, and his confidence, tolerance and commitment gave everyone confidence. He reiterated his thanks using the Irish phrase - "Céad míle bhuíochas."

Mr David Winnick, Co-Chairman (Walsall North) also thanked the Taoiseach for his attendance. He noted the disappointment of Members who did not have the opportunity to ask questions and considered it a similar situation to that experienced by MPs when trying to ask questions during Prime Minister's Question Time in the House of Commons. He praised the Taoiseach and his predecessor and Prime Minister Blair and his predecessor on their efforts to bring about a settlement. Everyone hoped that agreement would be reached in the near future and that the horror, brutality and bloodshed would finally come to an end. The Prime Minister was aware of the strong feeling which existed in the British Parliament for a lasting settlement in Northern Ireland.

The Chairman asked the Taoiseach for written replies to the questions that he had not answered, for inclusion in the report of the meeting.

The Taoiseach said that he would provide those answers. He thanked the Co-Chairmen for the opportunity to attend and members for listening and asking questions, observing that he preferred Question Time in the House of Commons, particularly for the Prime Minister, to the system in Dáil Éireann, where he answered questions for about three hours of questions per week - and it was increasing all the time.

Matters were only a few weeks from conclusion-or returning to further difficulty. Many people have given years of attention and persevered with the difficulties of the Governments and the political parties in the House of Commons and Oireachtas Éireann. He thanked Members for their efforts. There was an opportunity, if a settlement were reached, of the Body being very involved in convincing all that it would the resulting agreement was worthwhile.

The Session was suspended at 11.10 am and was resumed at 11.45 am in private, with Mr Michael O'Kennedy in the Chair