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The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., will today meet with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, M.P., to discuss the ongoing political talks in Northern Ireland.

The Tánaiste and Secretary of State will discuss progress to date in the five-party talks on parades, flags and contending with the past.

Party leaders have been meeting regularly since the start of the year to consider the proposals made in relation to these issues by Dr Richard Haass and Dr Meghan O’Sullivan.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said:

“The Government will support the Northern Ireland parties to the full as they seek to complete their work on these issues. Both governments have made clear the high importance we attach to reaching agreement, and the Secretary of State and I will discuss how best we can facilitate progress.”

Media Opportunity

There will be a media opportunity with the Tánaiste and the Secretary of State at 5.45pm in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Iveagh House, St Stephen’s Green, following the meeting.

Interested media are asked to arrive at Iveagh House at 5.30pm and to confirm their attendance in advance with the Press Office at press.office@dfa.ie or at 087 7788835.