THE Government is maintaining a close interest in developments relating to the marching season in the North, the Taoiseach said. "It is a case of balancing conflicting rights. It is not a question of one right having absolute precedence over the other." Mr Bruton said it was very important that those involved learn the lessons of last year, when the marches led to a very great deepening of the divisions in Northern Ireland.

He was replying on the Order of Business to Dr Jim McDaid (FF, Donegal North East) who pointed out that the marching season in the North begins next month. He understood that the recommendations of the commission set up to consider the issue were being brought before the House of Commons today.