Northern Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2017

Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Ceisteanna (125, 126)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

125. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the discussions with Sinn Féin and the DUP on the need to have the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Executive restored. [29773/17]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

126. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Taoiseach his plans to meet the SDLP, the UUP and the Alliance parties on the urgent need to restore the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Executive. [29774/17]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.

I met with DUP Party Leader Arlene Foster and Simon Hamilton MLA and with a Sinn Féin delegation including Michelle O'Neill MLA and Gerry Adams T.D. in Government Buildings on 16 June.

We discussed a wide range of issues including the urgent need to re-establish the Northern Ireland Executive, noting the deadline of 29 June for completion of negotiations.

There was also agreement on the importance of a functioning Executive in the context of the Brexit negotiations which started on Monday 19 June.

I made clear that my Government and I would work in support of the Northern Ireland parties to re-establish the Executive, and in pursuit of strong North-South relations including through the North South Ministerial Council.

I stressed the objectives of ensuring that Brexit does not impact negatively on the Good Friday Agreement and the Peace Process, and protecting North-South trade and economic activity and the Common Travel Area and associated reciprocal rights.

I also raised the ongoing discussions on formation of a new Government in London with the DUP, which is a matter for the parties represented at Westminster, but noted the need to avoid any outcome which could interfere with devolution and the prospects of re-establishing the Executive. The Conservative Party-DUP deal has now concluded, and has been published.

Minister Coveney is representing the Government at the political talks in Belfast and has engaged with all the political parties, including the SDLP, UUP and Alliance Party. He is keeping me informed on a continuous basis, and I also look forward to meeting with representatives of the other parties in due course. We will spare no effort to fulfil the Government’s duty as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and this includes working to ensure the effective operation of its institutions.

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