Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014
401. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government has assessed the ramifications for the Good Friday Agreement following the Scottish referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35589/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra413. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent Scottish referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35587/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 413 together.
Following its referendum on 18 September, there is now a roadmap for further devolution in Scotland. I welcome the fact that the process will allow for the many different groups in Scottish society to express their views. I hope that all parts of Scottish society can come together in a constructive and inclusive way in shaping Scotland’s future within the UK.
This Government is in close contact with London, Edinburgh and other devolved administrations as discussions proceed on enhanced devolution for Scotland and, indeed, on the political changes across the UK outlined by Prime Minister Cameron on 18 September. Devolution of further powers in Northern Ireland will be an issue for discussion between the Northern Ireland Executive and the British Government taking account of the framework of the Good Friday Agreement.
The further devolution of powers to Scotland and the political changes outlined by Prime Minster Cameron do of course have political and policy implications for Ireland, North and South. It will take time to tease out these political and policy implications with all stakeholders, on these islands and within the European Union.
The Good Friday Agreement set as a key objective the promotion of the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands. The commitment in that agreement to partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands is as important today as it ever was.
