The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs warned against taking the recent IRA statement on the Northern peace process for granted.

Ms Liz O'Donnell was replying to the Fine Gael spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Gay Mitchell, who welcomed the statement.

He described it as "a signal development" which he hoped would contribute to removing the personal pressure on Mr Gerry Adams and Mr David Trimble.

"I also hope the statement helps to bring about a broader shouldering of that pressure. Would the Minister of State agree that this move by the IRA needs a realistic response from unionists?

"I use the word `realistic' in a proper sense. Would she also agree that, in order to bring this about, David Trimble needs support and encouragement?

"What steps has the Government taken to provide that support and encouragement?"

Ms O'Donnell replied: "The deputy has recognised, as has everyone, the significance and substance of the IRA's statement. This was a very significant development which should not be taken for granted by anyone.

"As regards the Government's efforts to clear up other outstanding matters, all the parties are now considering the various proposals which are in the public domain and it is hoped that, over the coming days, progress can be made on some of these issues."

Policing, said Ms O'Donnell, was such a complex and sensitive issue that the parties to the Belfast Agreement felt it best to set up an independent commission to make proposals for a police service which would be acceptable and representative of both communities.

"Chris Patten and his colleagues did an excellent job in coming forward with a very authoritative set of proposals which struck a balance between the requirements and aspirations of both communities.

"The Patten commission's recommendations on the various issues are clear, including those on the name of the police service and the badge.

"The Taoiseach made it clear that every effort is being made to respond to outstanding issues which have been raised by the parties.

"This is a time for people to work together and to be moderate in everything they say in order to achieve consensus and agreement to move forward on the basis of the historic achievement which has, on the one hand, been achieved by the IRA's statement and, on the other hand, by the agreement of the British government and the parties, hopefully, to re-establish the institutions."

Asked by Mr Mitchell when she expected the British government to publish legislation on the Northern police service, Ms O'Donnell said it was imminent.

"Discussions as to the name of the future Northern Ireland police force are ongoing but I am not in a position to say any more as the Bill has not been published.

"Various proposals are being put forward and considered concerning certain aspects of the Bill. Suffice to say that every effort is being made to reach some sort of accommodation which will meet the concerns of the parties."