Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
145. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has met Ms Arlene Foster recently regarding the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35092/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of reconvening the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35093/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
The Good Friday Agreement is 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. The devolved, power-sharing institutions are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement and are the best means for achieving accountable, representative decision-making for all the people of Northern Ireland. The Government will continue to work tirelessly in partnership with the British Government, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to support and facilitate all of the Northern Ireland parties in their efforts to securing the operation of the devolved institutions.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and I have each conducted contacts with the Northern Ireland political parties to hear their views on how the two Governments can support the political process.
During this engagement, all parties re-affirmed their commitment to the devolved institutions and provided views on their key concerns and on issues to be addressed in seeking a way forward.
In light of this, the Secretary of State and I are considering how best the two Governments can advance the prospects for getting the devolved institutions operating again without delay.
A meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference established under the Good Friday Agreement will take place tomorrow, 25 July. Minister Flanagan and I will represent the Government.
