Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013
80. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with Members of the Northern Executive in relation to the proposed Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31291/13]
View answerI believe that all parties in this house will share my frustration at the lack of progress on a Bill of Rights. A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is a very important outstanding provision of the Good Friday Agreement. I believe that many of the contentious issues around parades, flags and identities have rights at their core and resolution of these issues can only be facilitated through progress on a Bill of Rights. I am in ongoing regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on issues related to implementation of the Agreement and will remain so.
