Micheál Martin
Question:497. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the North and the threat to the Stormont assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24564/15]
View answerTuesday, 23 June 2015
Questions (497)
Written answers
I am very conscious of the current political impasse in the Northern Ireland Assembly in regard to welfare reform and related budgetary matters, and the potentially serious implications for the political institutions at Stormont. This issue was discussed during the 2 June Implementation and Review meeting of the Stormont House Agreement, at which I represented the Government, together with Minister of State Seán Sherlock. The next implementation and review meeting on 25 June will be a further opportunity to take stock. The Taoiseach discussed these matters during his meeting with Prime Minister Cameron in London on 18 June. Both emphasised the importance of the Northern Ireland parties finding a way forward. The Taoiseach also discussed these issues with the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness en marge of the plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council of 5 June. The Government continues to encourage and support the Northern Ireland Executive parties to reach an agreement on a way forward and for the continued implementation of the totality of the Stormont House Agreement.
The difficult budgetary outlook in the North makes it more important than ever that stable and effective power-sharing government in Belfast presses on with repairing the divisions of the past and building a prosperous and sustainable economy. I therefore urge the NI Leaders to exercise the powers invested in them by the people of Northern Ireland to find a solution within the Northern Ireland Assembly.
I hope that, with political will, a way through the current challenges can be found. A solution will require resolve and leadership from all participants. In the period ahead, the Government will remain closely engaged with the British Government, and with the Northern Ireland political parties, to encourage a resolution that enables the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and underwrites the stability of the devolved institutions.