Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
175. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the particular challenges arising for all of Ireland following Brexit will be part of the discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and with the political parties represented in the assembly following the recent elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12611/17]
View answer180. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following the recent assembly elections in relation to the need to have the assembly and Executive re-established without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12618/17]
View answer181. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions he has had with each of the party leaders represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly in relation to the need to have the assembly and Executive re-established without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12619/17]
View answer182. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if in his discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the leaders of the parties represented in the assembly, he has outlined in detail the need to implement in full the Good Friday Agreement and successor agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12620/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 180 to 182, inclusive, together.
Following the outcome of the Northern Ireland Assembly election the Taoiseach spoke with Prime Minister May on 5 March and I spoke with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I also had discussions with a number of the main party leaders in Northern Ireland.
Both Governments are agreed on the need for intensive engagement to address outstanding issues including; the implementation of past agreements and addressing the legacy of the past, and to ensure the early establishment of an Executive which can operate effectively and deliver for all of the people of Northern Ireland in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect. Dealing with outstanding issues from previous agreements is a necessary and important part of creating confidence at this critical moment for devolution in Northern Ireland.
As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, both Governments have a role to play in supporting the effective operation of the devolved institutions, and in upholding both the letter and the spirit of the Agreement as a whole, in the interests of all in Northern Ireland. All parties eligible to nominate Ministers to the Executive have been invited to participate in the discussions relating to outstanding issues which, in accordance with previous agreements, are being facilitated by the two Governments.
There is a short three week window for the formation of a new Executive. The political parties have each received fresh mandates. Particular responsibilities attach to the two parties who are entitled to nominate a First Minister and deputy First Minister to engage with each other, and to advance discussions with all eligible political parties, on the formation of a new Executive.
Discussions commenced this week in Belfast. I met yesterday with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and a number of the parties, and I am continuing this engagement today. In our first round of discussions with the parties, both I and the Secretary of State have emphasised to the party leaders the significance of the electoral mandate they have each received and discussed with them the role that each party might play in creating the conditions that allow for the formation of a new power-sharing Assembly and Executive. We have also discussed with the parties the ways forward on the full implementation of past agreements and addressing the legacy of the past.
The heart of the Good Friday Agreement is its interlocking political institutions. However, they can only be sustained on the basis of partnership, equality and mutual respect. As a co-guarantor, the Irish Government is determined to uphold the principles of the Agreement and to protect its institutions. These institutions, including the Assembly and the Executive, are indispensable for addressing the needs and concerns of people in Northern Ireland, including peace, prosperity, reconciliation and indeed the considerable challenges posed by the upcoming Brexit negotiations.
In this regard, I hope that the new Northern Ireland Executive will be in place as soon as possible. The interests of the island as a whole and protecting the gains of the peace process will remain a priority for the Government in the upcoming Brexit negotiations. It will remain part of our ongoing engagement with the Northern Ireland parties. The Government’s All-Island Civic Dialogue is also a central strand of our approach to preparing for and managing Brexit. The Government will continue to be proactive in seeking input on Northern Ireland’s interests, as we prepare for the Brexit negotiations.
In the coming weeks I will continue, in cooperation with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to engage intensively with the political parties to see the power-sharing Assembly and Executive restored to effective and harmonious operation.
