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Northern Ireland Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Questions (164)

Brendan Smith

Question:

164. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues he raised with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State during their recent meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8369/14]

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Written answers

I met with the Secretary of State most recently on 6 February 2014 to discuss the current political talks and how to take forward the compromise proposals on contentious issues facing Northern Ireland.

We agreed that we wish to see the Northern Ireland Parties reach agreement as soon as possible and without further delay. I spoke with the Secretary of State by telephone on 12 February and we further agreed that we would speak again this week to review the situation. In the meantime our officials have been working together to consider how the two governments can best continue to support the talks process.

I briefed the Secretary of State on North South economic cooperation and in that context we welcomed the recent joint British/Northern Ireland/Ireland trade mission to Singapore, agreeing that it could set a positive precedent for further joint trade missions.

We discussed the recent statements on Northern Ireland in Dáil Éireann and I drew attention to the need for full implementation of the Agreements, as set out in my own statement.

We also discussed security issues including, North South security cooperation.

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