Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 May 2014
35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which he intends to liaise with the authorities in Northern Ireland and the UK with a view to addressing issues remaining outstanding from the Good Friday Agreement; if he expects to be in a position to advance further the subject matters of the Haass discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23488/14]
View answerI believe that the Good Friday and St Andrew’s Agreements provide the essential framework for the achievement of reconciliation and mutual trust in Northern Ireland and in the totality of relations between these islands. In my ongoing contacts with the British government and with the Northern Ireland Executive, I continue to stress the importance of progressing implementation of all outstanding aspects of the Agreements.
I welcome the report agreed at the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly plenary in Dublin on 31 March 2014 on the implementation of the Good Friday and St Andrew’s Agreement and which calls on all parties to the Agreements ‘to maintain momentum to ensure that all outstanding provisions are implemented in their totality’. I continue to urge all the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly to engage in constructive discussion with a view to reaching agreement on the substance of a Bill of Rights. A Bill of Rights drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could set out precisely and formally the rights underpinning a reconciled society in Northern Ireland can be based.
I support the establishment of a Civic Forum which would provide for a broad range of voices on community relations and stimulate informed public debate in relation to key societal challenges. On my regular visits to Northern Ireland, I continue the practice of engaging with civil society representatives. In the context of the North South Ministerial Council, most recently at our Plenary Meeting on 8 November 2013, the Government expressed support for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum as a valuable and, as yet, unimplemented provision of the Good Friday Agreement.
I am firmly of the view that an Irish Language Act should be introduced in Northern Ireland. All parties to the Good Friday Agreement recognised the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity in Northern Ireland. In the St Andrews Agreement, the British government committed to introducing an Irish Language Act and to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish Language. Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland has been a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and in particular the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. Officials in my Department maintain regular and ongoing contact with the Irish language community in Northern Ireland including those involved in cross-community Irish language activity. I will continue to press in my discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive the urgent need to address this issue and to legislate for an Irish Language Act. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor this matter in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office.
I met with Dr Haass on 23 May when he visited Dublin after his visit to London on 22 May. We share the view that progress in the Party Leaders Talks is urgently needed. I remain convinced that the best way forward for dealing with important issues such as parades, flag and identity issues and dealing with the past is the early, successful conclusion of these talks. Maintaining the status quo in relation to these issues is not a feasible or satisfactory option for anyone. I believe that there is a window of opportunity to reach agreement before the summer and I will continue to encourage the NI parties over the coming weeks towards that end. The British and the US government agree progress on these issues is needed urgently.
Progress in these talks is primarily a matter for the Party Leaders. However, the Irish government continues to encourage and support this process in every possible way. I have remained in close contact with the Secretary of State, Ms Theresa Villiers, with regard to full implementation of the Agreements as well as further progress towards an agreement in the political talks. I will meet the Secretary of State tomorrow when she is scheduled to visit Dublin.
