Gerry Adams
Question:127. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagements with the UUP, the SDLP and the Alliance Party since he assumed office. [31239/17]
View answerWednesday, 5 July 2017
Questions (127)
Written answers
I began my engagement with all parties in Northern Ireland immediately upon being appointed to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, making contact by phone. Since 19 June I have represented the Government at the talks process in Belfast to support the formation of an Executive and will continue to do so as necessary in the coming weeks. I have engaged with all the political parties as part of this process, including the SDLP, UUP, and Alliance Party.
Significant progress has been made in the talks, although a number of key issues remain to be resolved. Notwithstanding the challenge of the remaining issues to be resolved, I believe that an agreement can be reached – an agreement that would allow a power-sharing Executive to be formed on a sustainable basis. All parties are committed to the successful operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and everyone agrees that devolution is the best way to deliver for all of the people of Northern Ireland.
We will spare no effort to fulfil the Government’s duty as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and this includes working to ensure the effective operation of its institutions. We will continue to work to this end with the British Government to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to reach agreement.