Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2014
64. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the further steps he believes are necessary in order to complete the terms expressed in the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27564/14]
View answerThe principles and values of the Good Friday Agreement and the subsequent St. Andrew’s Agreement are essential to peace and reconciliation in Ireland and across these islands. Their key elements include devolution based on power-sharing; agreement on sovereignty; human rights; parity of esteem; and support for the rule of law. The continued shared responsibility of the two governments is to guarantee these principles and to actively implement both Agreements. The Irish Government is determined to realise their full potential. This is a vital and challenging responsibility which concerns us all.
While the period since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement has seen significant progress, which has benefited all the people of this island, specific elements of that Agreement remain to be implemented. These include the introduction of an Irish Language Act, the establishment of a North/South Consultative Forum and the implementation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. I continue to press for all of these outstanding elements to be implemented.
Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and, in particular, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. I will continue to press in my discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive and with the British Government the urgent need to address this issue and to legislate for an Irish Language Act.
I remain convinced that the establishment of a North/South Consultative Forum, comprising representatives of civil society on the island, would contribute to the constructive discussion of key societal challenges. The Government has continued to express support for such a body, including at the November 2013 North South Ministerial Council. On my regular visits to Northern Ireland, I continue the practice of engaging with civil society representatives.
A Bill of Rights drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could formally specify the rights underpinning a reconciled society in Northern Ireland. 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. I, and my officials, will continue to engage with our counterparts in the British Government and in the Northern Ireland Executive on this matter.
