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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Garvaghy Road tensions

Summary

Deputy Boyd Barrett said the Government ignored residents’ concerns about sectarian intimidation and its responsibilities under the Good Friday Agreement.

This day last week I asked for an urgent debate before the situation on the Garvaghy Road escalated on behalf of the residents, who I had met the previous day on the Garvaghy Road about the situation that was looming in Drumcree. That request for an urgent debate was completely ignored. The residents particularly asked me to ask the Government about its responsibility under the Good Friday Agreement, and the British Government's responsibility, to make sure communities are free from sectarian intimidation. That was ignored, and we saw the escalation last week. That is still not resolved. The Irish and British Governments have a responsibility to make sure that community is not traumatised and dragged back to the days of sectarian violence and conflict. Can we have an urgent discussion to make sure this Government and this Oireachtas discharges its responsibility in that regard?

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