Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2014
415. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the progress being made on all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35608/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Good Friday Agreement, as well as the values and principles underpinning it, is at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island. Implementing outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement is a priority for the Government. Among the elements yet to be implemented are the establishment of a North South Consultative Forum, a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland and an Irish Language Act. The Government’s priority remains to ensure that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement function effectively to the benefit of all.
Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive and in particular of the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA. The Government continues to follow developments closely in relation to the proposed Act, as well as the overall enhancement and protection of the Irish Language in Northern Ireland.
The Good Friday Agreement also provided for the establishment of an independent civic Forum representative of civil society in Northern Ireland. The St Andrews Agreement provided further that the Northern Ireland Executive would support the establishment of an independent North/South Consultative Forum. In September 2008, the Irish Government submitted proposals for the role, format, membership and operation of a North South Consultative Forum to the Executive for its consideration, and facilitated three consultative conferences, the most recent of which was in January 2011. The Government awaits a response from the Executive. We have since raised the Forum at each Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council and it was on the agenda for the plenary meeting of 3 October 2014.
A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland drawn up by agreement between the main parties of the Assembly could set out precisely and formally the rights underpinning a reconciled society in Northern Ireland. Officials of my Department keep in ongoing contact with representatives of civil society on the issue of a Bill of Rights.
I will continue to press the importance of implementing outstanding elements of the Agreement in my discussions with the British Government and Northern Ireland Executive. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor these matters in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office and with officials of the Northern Ireland Executive.
