Catherine Murphy
Question:12. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he and-or his officials have composed a green paper on the topic of a united Ireland in the past ten years to date. [36164/23]
View answerTuesday, 25 July 2023
Questions (12)
Written answers
The 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 approach of any Irish Government in relation to Irish unity is guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998.
The Government respects and affirms everyone’s right 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.
In the event of a future referendum within the consent 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.
A green paper on a united Ireland has not previously been prepared or published by this or previous Governments during the timer period under reference.
The Government acknowledges the important work of the Oireachtas, including the work of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee on the Constitutional Future of the Island of Ireland, which has sought to take an inclusive approach to potential constitutional futures on this island.
The Government’s focus at this time is on getting all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement operating again, and to see our North/South and East/West relationships repaired and re-invigorated, after the challenges of recent years. Our Shared Island initiative is contributing to that, working with all communities and political traditions to deliver tangible benefits for the whole island and build consensus around a shared future on the island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.