Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2018
164. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the possibility of appointing an independent chair to facilitate talks in Northern Ireland. [13930/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the course of many months, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form an Executive. The devolved, power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are the best means for achieving accountable, representative decision-making for all the people of Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. In light of this, the Government has been working with the British Government to consider means by which we can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement, in the period ahead.
I am in very regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in order to determine how both Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, can address the current impasse and secure the re-establishment of the Executive and Assembly. This includes consideration of the possibility that an independent chair would be appointed to facilitate talks. I will be speaking with the Secretary of State again this week and we will meet in early April.
I remain in contact also with the political parties in Northern Ireland, in working to ensure that every avenue is pursued and all possibilities are considered in seeking to secure a return to devolved power-sharing government, as provided for under the Agreement.
The Taoiseach has spoken with Prime Minister May and emphasised the Government’s full commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and our determination to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions.
As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish and British Governments have an obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of that Agreement.
The Good Friday Agreement remains the indispensable framework for providing stable, inclusive, power-sharing government for all the people of Northern Ireland and for sustaining our interlocking relationships - within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland and between the UK and Ireland.
