Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2015
38. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has contacted the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, since her re-appointment to that post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19225/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the re-appointment of Theresa Villiers MP as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, my working relations with Theresa Villiers have been very close and constructive, involving regular and in-depth engagement, in particular in the context of the Stormont House Agreement. I had a constructive telephone conversation with Secretary of State Villiers on the day of her re-appointment, 11 May, on our shared priorities and the challenges that lie ahead. In particular, we discussed the crucial work that remains to be done in implementing the Stormont House Agreement. I will also meet with her later today to discuss these matters and other matters of mutual interest and concern in more detail.
Last December the signing of the Stormont House Agreement demonstrated what can be achieved when the two Governments and the Northern Ireland Executive parties work together towards the shared aims of advancing the reconciliation agenda and building a more prosperous Northern Ireland. It is time to return to this work. I look forward to doing so in partnership with Secretary of State Villiers and in support of the power-sharing institutions in Belfast.
