Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2017
154. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has completed, or plans to carry out, a study or an assessment on the constitutional, legal, financial or other implications in preparation for a possible referendum on Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2042/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and succeeding agreements is a priority for my Department and indeed the Government as whole. In this context we are of course also guided by the aspiration contained in Article 3 of the Constitution as amended by the people in 1998.
The principle of consent and the possibility of a change in constitutional status in Northern Ireland is a fundamental part of the Good Friday Agreement, which was endorsed by the people of this island North and South. The trigger for a referendum in this jurisdiction is, of course, connected with the calling of a border poll, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. This occurs when the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland considers it likely that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland.
At present, the Government does not believe it likely that such a border poll in Northern Ireland in the near future would result in constitutional change; that is also the view of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. In those circumstances, such a poll now might only increase uncertainty and division at an already difficult and sensitive time.
In the absence of any prospect of a referendum in the near future, my Department does not have any active plans to carry out the type of study specifically referred to by the Deputy. However, my Department continues to actively monitor the relevant polls, attitude surveys and academic literature that relate to evolving sentiment on the issue of constitutional change.
There are of course aspects of this constitutional issue which relate to my Department’s ongoing work. In the context of Brexit, for example, the Government has made clear its determination to ensure that all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement, including those relating to a possible change in constitutional status for Northern Ireland, are upheld regardless of the UK’s status within the EU.
