Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
103. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that both Governments are delivering on all the commitments in the St Andrew's Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17256/13]
View answerThe Government remains committed to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and St Andrews Agreement. Progress has been made on a number of important elements of the St Andrews Agreement, including a review of the existing North South bodies, whose three terms of reference were to examine the bodies in terms of efficiency and value for money, to look at the case for additional North South bodies and areas of co-operation and a replacement for the Irish Lights Agency. Terms of Reference one of the St Andrews Agreement Review has essentially been completed. The Second and Third Terms of Reference of the Review look to the future of North South co-operation. This has not progressed as rapidly as I would have wished and was a subject of discussion when I met recently with the First and Deputy First Minister. I hope that we will be in a position to make substantial progress at the next NSMC Plenary in July. In addition, the North South Inter-parliamentary Association has been established and held its second meeting last month. While the North South Consultative Forum is still outstanding, it continues to be raised at NSMC Plenary meetings and will be considered further with our Northern colleagues. Minister Deenihan and Minister of State McGinley regularly discuss Irish Language issues with Minister Ní Chuilín. The Government will continue to encourage progress on these issues, including during my ongoing schedule of close contact with the Secretary of State, and with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
