Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017
372. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont on the urgent need to have the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34506/17]
View answer373. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have further engagement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont during July 2017 on the urgent need to have the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34507/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.
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 than 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 the people of Northern Ireland.
The Governments can support and encourage but, in the final analysis, it is only the parties themselves that can make an agreement with each other. All sides may now wish to reflect on how progress can best be made. I have encouraged all parties to maintain dialogue with each other over the coming weeks.
I will remain in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland party leaders, in the weeks ahead. The Government will spare no effort in fulfilling its solemn duty as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and this includes working to ensure the effective operation of all 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 on formation of a new Executive. The Government wishes to see this achieved as soon as possible.
