Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2015
906. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the leaders of the political parties in the Northern Ireland Executive, in relation to the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement; his proposals to hold further discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22083/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI represented the Government, together with Minister of State Seán Sherlock, at the Review meeting of the Stormont House Agreement which took place in Belfast on 2 June. In addition to the Review round table meeting, Minister Sherlock and I also had bilateral meetings with each of the Northern Ireland Executive political parties and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, MP, who was accompanied by NIO Parliamentary Under-Secretary Ben Wallace, MP.
During meetings on Tuesday, the seriousness of recent political developments and their implications for the sustainability of the Stormont House Agreement and the stability of the political institutions in Northern Ireland was acknowledged by all participants.
While the budgetary matters currently at impasse come within the remit of the devolved institutions, I underlined the Government’s wish to see a resolution as we have a clear interest in the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement as a whole, not least in relation to its provisions on dealing with the legacy of the past.
I believe that, with political will, a way through the current challenges can be found. A solution will require resolve and leadership from all participants. In the period ahead, the Government will remain closely engaged with the British Government, and with the Northern Ireland political parties, to encourage a resolution that enables the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and underwrites the stability of the devolved institutions.
