Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 May 2017

Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Ceisteanna (11, 12, 13)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

11. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his conversation with Prime Minister May after she announced the snap election in the UK; and if they discussed Northern Ireland. [20403/17]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

12. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to Prime Minister Theresa May since a new general election was called in Britain. [20692/17]

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

13. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach the discussions he has had with political leaders in Northern Ireland regarding the formation of a new administration following the recent Assembly elections. [20726/17]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 13, inclusive, together.

I spoke to Prime Minister May by phone on 18th April following the announcement of her plans to hold a general election in the UK.

We discussed the upcoming Brexit negotiations and I reiterated our commitment to ensuring the best possible outcome for Ireland while negotiating as an integral part of the EU 27 team. We also discussed the need to recognise the close trading links between our intertwined economies and re-affirmed our commitment to an open border and the retention of the Common Travel Area.

We also discussed the political situation in Northern Ireland and noted that the election would have a direct impact on the timing of the ongoing talks process. I expressed the hope that the talks could continue to a successful conclusion and I emphasised to the Prime Minister that a return to direct rule in Northern Ireland could not be contemplated.

Minister Flanagan had a range of contacts with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties regarding the merits of continuing structured talks in the context of an election campaign. There was a wide-spread view that given the demands and constraints of the election campaign, the best course was to pause the current talks until after the general election takes place on 8 June.

The new legislative deadline for forming the Executive is 29 June. There will therefore be sufficient opportunity after 8 June for talks to resume and for the parties, with the appropriate support and involvement of the two Governments, to re-engage on the urgent task of forming a new Executive and taking forward the implementation of outstanding commitments from previous Agreements.

It is critically important to see devolved Government restored and working effectively in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland, in particular in the context of Brexit.

As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is determined to uphold its principles and protect its institutions.

We will continue to work to this end with the British Government to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to reach agreement.

Questions Nos. 14 to 16, inclusive, resubmitted