Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
422. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department is currently working on a framework to be used in the coming years to examine the constitutional changes that will be required if a united Ireland was to be established in the future. [52420/21]
View answerThe principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of this island North and South.
The Government respects and affirms everyone’s right on the island to make the case for the constitutional future for Northern Ireland they wish to see, whether they are nationalist, unionist or do not identify with either tradition.
The holding of a referendum in this jurisdiction is connected with the calling of a poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. Under the Good Friday Agreement, the decision to hold such a poll in Northern Ireland rests with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for this Government. The Government’s focus now, and our commitment through the Shared Island initiative, is on working with all communities and political traditions, to take up the significant opportunities of deeper cooperation and connection on the island, and to build consensus on key issues for our shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.
In the event of a future referendum within the constitutional provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government would make all necessary preparations in accordance with the terms of the Constitution and the principles and procedures of the Agreement.
