Greater progress in the Northern multi-party talks was called for by the Taoiseach. Mr Ahern said such progress as had been made was very much to be welcomed, and no one expected the negotiations to achieve results overnight. At the same time, the talks process had been in place since June, 1996, and the time was fast approaching when it would have to deliver. "Much attention has been paid to the roller-coaster nature of the talks process; and it is indeed a tribute to the strength of the process that it has survived all the stresses and strains. At the end of the day, however, the talks process is still just that - a process.

"If it doesn't yield results, the process will gravely disappoint the expectations of all the people in these islands and we will be faced with the risks of a vacuum and of this being filled by senseless violence.

"In calling for accelerated progress in the talks, I recognise, of course, that it was inevitable that time would be needed before parties could feel comfortable with the talks process.

"I acknowledge, too, the achievement represented by the fact that parties with such differing perspectives and convictions are prepared to take part in the same negotiating process. And I accept that parties needed time to give the fullest possible expositions of their positions.

"I believe, however, that it is now time to move on. The participants in the talks have come to know each other well; we know each other's positions; and we know - in broad outline - what is required for a mutually acceptable settlement."

Opening a special debate on Northern Ireland, Mr Ahern said the papers on Strands Two and Three tabled last week made clear that the two governments remained firmly committed to the positions in the Joint Declaration and to those set out in a new framework for agreement.

Mention of the Framework Document almost invariably provoked a hostile response from unionists, he said. "I believe that is mistaken. The fact is that the Framework Document is not a nationalist blueprint for a united Ireland. It is a document which was drawn up not just by the Irish Government but by the Irish Government and the British government over many months."

The Government was not afraid to compromise, said Mr Ahern. "We are not seeking domination or conquest. We are not some ogre intent on smothering unionism. And we do not view these negotiations as a win-lose contest. What we want to achieve as a result of these negotiations is a win-win situation for nationalism and unionism alike." He said the two governments were working well together. The joint papers of January 12th and 27th represented the most recent efforts to inject forward momentum into the talks. They would both continue to give the necessary leadership as required.

"If the current process is to succeed, however, it will require the proactive participation and engagement of all the parties involved, to the maximum extent possible, in all aspects of the negotiations.

"They can do so confident in the knowledge that, as set out in the various basic reference documents, any settlement will have to embrace all the broad elements I have set out, and cannot give undue preference or emphasis to any one strand in what is a three-stranded process.

"I would accordingly like to take the opportunity today to appeal to all the parties, on the basis of the assurance I have just underlined, to join with us in making a concerted and intensive effort to reach agreement on the detailed lines of a settlement before Easter. "There can be no question that this is a feasible time-frame. We have the building blocks and we know what has to be done - all that is needed is the resolution to do it."