Eamon Ryan
Ceist:14. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Taoiseach the details of his recent phone call with the British Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May. [45034/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 8 November 2017
Ceisteanna (14, 16)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:16. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent discussions with Prime Minister Theresa May. [45035/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 16 together.
I had phone calls with the UK Prime Minister Theresa May on October 16 and on November 1.
In our conversation on October 16, we discussed the latest developments in Northern Ireland at that time and urged a rapid resumption of talks, with a view to restoration of the Northern Ireland institutions urgently in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland. We also discussed Brexit, including the unique circumstances regarding the border, and preparations for the upcoming meeting of the European Council in Brussels on 19 and 20 October.
In our call on 16 October we also spoke about the damage from storm Ophelia and the Bombardier case.
Prime Minister May and I spoke by phone again on November 1 to review progress made by the political parties in Northern Ireland since our previous phone conversation, including in light of the statement to the House of Commons by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire the previous day.
We agreed that it is still possible to form an Executive which would be in the interests of all the people of Northern Ireland. I underlined that there could be no return to direct rule as it existed prior to the Good Friday Agreement and that the various provisions of the Agreement would have to be honoured.
The Prime Minister was clear that she did not want to see a return to a direct rule and that moves to implement a Budget for Northern Ireland should not be seen as a first step on the road to direct rule.
We agreed that there is still time to reach an agreement and that the parties should continue to work to this end, with the support of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney and the Northern Secretary James Brokenshire.
The Prime Minister and I agreed to stay in close contact on the matter over the coming period.
Question No. 15 resubmitted.
Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 14.
Questions Nos. 17 to 21, inclusive, resubmitted.