Gerry Adams
Ceist:192. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he plans to meet with representatives of the UUP, the SDLP and the Alliance Party. [32895/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 12 July 2017
Ceisteanna (192)
Freagraí scríofa
I began my engagement with all parties in Northern Ireland immediately upon being appointed to the role of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Since 19 June I have represented the Government at the talks process in Belfast to support the formation of an Executive and as part of this process I have engaged with all the political parties, including the SDLP, UUP, and Alliance Party. I will continue to do so in the period ahead.
Significant progress has been made in the talks, although a number of key issues remain to be resolved. Notwithstanding the challenge of the remaining issues to be resolved, I believe that an agreement can be reached – an agreement that would allow a power-sharing Executive to be formed on a sustainable basis. All parties are committed to the successful operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and everyone agrees that devolution is the best way to deliver for all of the people of Northern Ireland.
The Governments can support and encourage but, in the final analysis, it is only the parties themselves that can make an agreement with each other. All sides may now wish to reflect on how progress can best be made. I have encouraged all parties to maintain dialogue with each other over the coming weeks.
The Government will spare no effort in fulfilling its solemn duty as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and this includes working to ensure the effective operation of all of 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 on the formation of a new Executive. The Government wishes to see this achieved as soon as possible.