Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which it is possible to elevate the debate on the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement to ensure a higher level of cooperation at local level with particular reference to projects already under discussion and other areas likely to have a strong and positive impact on such discussions. [28329/23]
View answerThe full and effective operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement is a key priority for this Government, across all three Strands - the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland; the North South Ministerial Council and the Cross Border Bodies; and the East-West institutions. The Agreement is designed so that these institutions support and reinforce one another. Supporting, strengthening and effectively implementing the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements remains central to how we approach relationships on these islands.
As a co-Guarantor of the Agreement, together with the British government, we have a particular responsibility to see these institutions operate as effectively as possible and delivering to the collective benefit of all of our citizens. We also engage regularly with the British government, with Northern Ireland's political leaders, and with civil society, on the question of elements of the Agreement which are yet to be implemented.
The people of Northern Ireland are entitled to a functioning Assembly and Executive. In my discussions with political representatives while in Belfast last week I reiterated the urgent need for a restoration of the power-sharing institutions.
The absence of a functioning Executive has knock-on effects on the operation of Strand Two of the Agreement. I am deeply concerned that the work of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) has been severely disrupted in recent years. In the absence of regular NSMC meetings, the two Administrations on the island are not having the important conversations that we should be having to address shared challenges and opportunities. It is vital that the Council is allowed to continue its work as soon as possible.
My Department also provides support through the Reconciliation Fund and the Shared Island Civic Society Fund to community and civil society organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain, in the framework of the Good Friday Agreement.
The Government will continue to work across all strands of the Good Friday Agreement in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland. It is crucial that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are allowed to resume their work without further delay. This will allow us to move ahead with new and existing North South projects, to create a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous island for all communities.
