The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has expressed concern at the perceived lack of balance in the North's Parade Commission.

'Public perception is vitally important,' he said, adding that the 'principle of the Parades Commission is correct', and he had tried to be as supportive to the commission as possible.

'It is vital that the judgment of the commission is seen to be completely balanced and fair,' he told Mr Joe Higgins (Socialist Party, Dublin West).

'The real perception of balance in the commission can only be interpreted by the decisions it takes.'

During Question Time, Mr Ahern said the issue of balance on the Parades Commission would be raised by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, at the Anglo-Irish Conference meeting.

Mr Higgins asked if the Taoiseach had discussed the dangers of the marching season and would he use any influence he had to urge local communities to to achieve local agreement.

Mr Ahern said the commission was meeting some of the communities. 'I would have to say that I would like to see far more meetings .' The Democratic Left leader, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, said it was 'not sufficient to put token 'Taigs' or 'Prods' on the commission'. The balance should be sought in having people who have an understanding of the mindset of the various conflicting parties.

'I think the deputy would agree that the public perception of this issue is vitally important,' Mr Ahern said. It was a pity judgments were made based on people's background.