Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2017
171. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied with the operation of the consociational power-sharing arrangements in Stormont, in view of the criticisms that have been levelled against this form of governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14488/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra173. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that the Government is honouring its commitment as guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement with respect to the operation of the power-sharing institutions and the promotion of inter community dialogue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 173 together.
The Government’s firm position is that the Good Friday Agreement and the successor Agreements must be implemented in full, and this is reflected in the Programme for Partnership Government. The Agreements, and the principles and values underpinning them, are at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island. The Government will continue to work tirelessly for that full implementation in both letter and spirit.
The power-sharing Assembly and Executive are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement and an essential part of the cross-community partnership that is the basis of the peace process. These institutions are indispensable for addressing the needs and concerns of people in Northern Ireland, including peace, prosperity and reconciliation.
As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, both Governments have a role to play in supporting the effective operation of the devolved institutions, and in upholding both the letter and the spirit of the Agreement as a whole, in the interests of all in Northern Ireland. In this context I am representing the Government in the ongoing talks at Stormont Castle. The discussions are focused on addressing outstanding issues, including the implementation of past agreements and addressing the legacy of the past, as well as on the formation of a new power-sharing Executive. Both parts of these discussions are essential and inter-dependent.
I expect to be intensively engaged this week in Belfast, working with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties to see the power-sharing Assembly and Executive restored to effective and harmonious operation. As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement the Government is determined to uphold the principles of the Agreement and to protect its institutions.
In terms of other support to inter-community dialogue, my Department’s Reconciliation Fund provides funding to non-governmental organisations, community groups, and voluntary organisations to support reconciliation and to create better understanding between people and traditions on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. The Reconciliation Fund has been running since 1982, and was increased significantly in 1998, following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. As part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the Government committed to guaranteeing the continued allocation of €2.7 million annually to the Reconciliation Fund. In the second round of 2016 funding, over €1m was announced in December 2016 for grants under the Reconciliation Fund to support 60 organisations working on peace and reconciliation.
In relation to inter-community dialogue, I would also note that the European Union Peace Programme has over a number of years provided extensive financial support for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region. The current PEACE IV programme includes as a specific aim the improvement of cross-community relations and further integration of divided communities.
