Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
131. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, with particular reference to the North-South, east–west and internal Northern Ireland dimensions of the Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6888/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI co-hosted an event, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers MP, to mark the Fifteenth Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Belfast on 29 April 2013. In my remarks that day, I pointed to the great progress in the totality of relations since the overwhelming approval of the Agreement by referenda in both parts of the island. Whilst Northern Ireland continues to face a number of challenges, the devolved institutions have been operating since 2007 and are working with the support of the two Governments for peace, reconciliation and prosperity in Northern Ireland.
The Irish government has no closer relationship than we do with the Northern Ireland Executive. The North South Ministerial Council meets on a regular basis across Ministerial areas of responsibility, co-operating in the interests of economic recovery and job creation, North and South. 25 Ministerial level meetings were held in 2013. Relations between Ireland and Britain are strong and close. In April this year President Higgins will make a State Visit to Britain at the invitation of Queen Elizabeth, whose own successful visit here in 2011 exemplified the close relations between our two countries. The visit of President Higgins in April will mark further progress. Next month the Taoiseach will visit London for his third Annual Summit with Prime Minister Cameron. I and other Ministers regularly engage with our British colleagues in our individual areas of responsibility. The North South Interparliamentary Association established in July 2012 has contributed greatly to mutual understanding between members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The main outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement are the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, an Irish Language Act and the Civic Forum. In ongoing contacts with the British government, most recently at my meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP, on 6 February, I continue to stress the importance of both Governments supporting the full implementation of all aspects of the Agreements.
