I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and for the motivation behind his question. The visit of President Biden in the month that we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement was indicative of wider American support for peace on this island. Throughout his visit, President Biden spoke of the importance that the United States attaches to the agreement. The Taoiseach raised the ongoing political instability in Northern Ireland with President Biden during their bilateral meeting. I raised the political situation in Northern Ireland with the congressional and cabinet delegation that travelled with the President. Moreover, during my visit to Washington DC in February, I discussed the current situation in Northern Ireland with the Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, the National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, and a wide range of political and civil society contacts. During my visits to New York and Massachusetts around St. Patrick's Day, I spoke with a wide variety of business, political and community leaders.
At Queen's University Belfast last week, we heard from a number of Americans who played a vital role during the peace process including former President Bill Clinton, the former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and George Mitchell who, as an independent chairman of the Northern Ireland peace talks, played a pivotal role. Throughout the commemorative events for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in which I have participated, I have always emphasised the support of the United States, the European Union and other international partners. I remain in regular contact with political representatives in Northern Ireland, reiterating the urgent need for a functioning Assembly and Executive. I am also in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with restoration of the institutions a core focus of our discussions. We will continue to work across all strands of the Good Friday Agreement in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland. President Biden and the delegations took a very neutral and objective approach in their visit. As President Biden said, it is up to the parties in Northern Ireland. All of that, combined with the Good Friday Agreement commemorations, will cause people to reflect on and consider the value of the agreement and the institutions, with a view to restoring those institutions.