To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2006, Official Report, column 1187W, on the Victims March (Dublin), what assurances he sought from Ministers of the Irish Republic (a) about the safety of Northern Ireland citizens while in Dublin in the future and (b) regarding the prosecution of people identified as being involved in the attacks upon citizens of Northern Ireland in Dublin on 25 February 2006. (84760)

This was an unfortunate but isolated incident. I understand 41 people were arrested during the disorder that occurred on 25 February: the decision to prosecute is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions. The safety of Northern Ireland citizens, whether in Dublin or Belfast or anywhere else, remains paramount for me and of course I discussed this and keep in touch with Ministers of the Irish Republic.