§ 20. Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the latest talks with Ministers from the Government of Ireland on future constitutional arrangements for the Province.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewMy right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I met the Taoiseach and Tanaiste in London on 16 June. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers of the Irish Government were also present. The two Governments considered the prospects for a resumption of political dialogue in Northern Ireland. They agreed on the need to address adequately all of the key relationships involved and to work towards an outcome which would accommodate the rights and identities of the two major traditions in Ireland. The two Governments confirmed that their aim is to achieve a new beginning for relationships within Northern Ireland, within the island of Ireland and between the peoples of the two islands. The two Governments also called on the political parties in Northern Ireland to help in the search for political progress and agreed that contacts would continue actively with the Northern Ireland parties.