Joe Higgins
Question:95. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on recent political contacts with political leaders in Northern Ireland. [12519/13]
View answerWednesday, 27 March 2013
Questions (95)
Written answers
During the St. Patrick’s Day period in Washington D.C., I met with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and with the SDLP leader, Alasdair McDonnell. I also met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whom I had previously met in Dublin on 11 February, 2013 and again in London on 1 March 2013.
At all these meetings, I discussed the political and security situation in Northern Ireland and how the two governments will continue to work closely together in the period ahead and encourage and support the First and deputy First Minister as they address the political, economic and social challenges facing Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State and I agreed that we would seek to organise a joint meeting with the First Minister and deputy First Minister at an early date as well as a meeting with the leaders of the other Parties. Our two governments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement are committed to assisting political leaders in Northern Ireland promote a genuinely shared society.
The Taoiseach and I also met recently in Dublin with delegations from the SDLP. Our discussions were honest, positive and constructive and we covered a range of issues across the political spectrum including the forthcoming parades season in Northern Ireland.
I am also in regular contact, as are my officials, with other political leaders and representatives from Northern Ireland.