Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2017
162. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the comments made by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Brokenshire, at the House of Commons Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs regarding UK intervention post 30 October 2017 in Northern Ireland due to the lack of progress on the Northern Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44746/17]
View answer166. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the political situation in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44888/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 166 together.
The Government is determined, as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to do everything in our power to ensure that all of its institutions are operating effectively, including the devolved Assembly and power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland and the North-South Ministerial Council.
I remain in continuing and direct contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, and the political parties in Belfast as both Governments continue intensive work to support and encourage the parties in achieving the urgent and essential objective of forming a new Executive within the mandate of the current Assembly.
There has been sustained engagement between the DUP and Sinn Féin over the last number of weeks in order to resolve key differences which have proved an obstacle to them forming a new Executive, and both parties are continuing these discussions.
As the two parties mandated to lead the next Executive, it is for them in the first instance to establish a basis on which a new administration can work. I have continued to encourage the parties to stretch themselves to reach an agreement which is consistent with their electoral mandates and which reflects the principles of mutual respect, parity of esteem and partnership.
I do not underestimate the differences that remain to be resolved in order for such an agreement to be reached. However, I believe that these can be resolved within the timeframe set out by the Secretary of State last week. Time is now a very real factor, with budgetary and other necessary decisions looming in relation to the provision of public services in Northern Ireland. These need to be addressed by effective and sustainable devolved government in Northern Ireland, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement. The Government’s focus remains firmly on the restoration of the Executive. The essential work of the North South Ministerial Council also needs to urgently recommence, not least in the context of Brexit.
I am hopeful that the political parties will urgently and successfully conclude their discussions which will allow the Executive and Assembly, and indeed all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, to function effectively.
On behalf of the Government, I will continue to make all possible efforts, working with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties, to support an agreement on the formation of a new power-sharing Executive in the immediate period ahead.
