Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015
167. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. David Cameron, since the talks began in Northern Ireland on 21 September 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34058/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrime Minister Cameron and I spoke by telephone on 2nd September to review the situation at that time with regard to the political impasse in Northern Ireland. Following that conversation, the Prime Minister and I jointly invited the parties in Northern Ireland to talks under the Chairmanship of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The roundtable talks which recommenced on 21 September have been relatively positive and they are continuing in a constructive atmosphere with a view to developing concrete proposals on how best to address the challenges that have arisen. I have not spoken directly to Prime Minister Cameron since the talks commenced but Ministers Flanagan and Sherlock are in direct daily contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as are officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and my own Department with their counterparts in London and Belfast.
