Micheál Martin
Ceist:411. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met Secretary of State Villiers recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35658/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 October 2014
Ceisteanna (411)
Freagraí scríofa
I have kept in close contact with Secretary of State Villiers since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. We have spoken several times in recent weeks on a range of issues and I look forward to meeting her in Dublin later today. As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, regular, close contact with our partners in the British Government is an important element of the Government’s approach to Northern Ireland.
Secretary of State Villiers and I both strongly believe that talks convened by the two Governments is the best way forward to dealing with the political difficulties and legacy issues in Northern Ireland. It is imperative that everything possible is done to overcome the current political impasse within the Northern Ireland Executive – including on the legacy issues of parades, flags and identity and dealing with the past.
Over the period ahead, I will remain in close ongoing contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the Northern Ireland parties over the period ahead as preparations for the talks process continue, including agreeing an agenda for the talks. The Government’s priority remains to ensure that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement function effectively to the benefit of all. We fully support partnership Government in Northern Ireland and will work with the political parties to facilitate the resolution of current difficulties and legacy issues.