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Northern Ireland

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021

Tuesday, 11 May 2021

Ceisteanna (381)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

381. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he had with members of the Northern Ireland Executive and with members of the UK Government in relation to the need to address legacy issues as provided for in the Stormont House Agreement. [1574/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The position of the Government on Northern Ireland legacy issues has been clear and consistent. The Stormont House Agreement framework is the way forward on these issues. It was agreed by both Governments and the political parties after intensive negotiations, and it should be implemented.

The Government has continued to engage on on this issue since the Stormont House Agreement was reached in 2014, to work for that important progress, and see the Agreement implemented.

Where the UK Government are proposing significant changes to that framework, we have made clear that these must be discussed and agreed by both Governments and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive. In my regular contacts with the Northern Ireland parties, we would regularly discuss the need to progress legacy issues on the basis of the Stormont House framework.

In March of last year, the UK Government issued a Written Ministerial Statement that proposed significantly departing from the Stormont House Agreement. Since then, I have spoken regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to express our strong concerns and to reiterate the importance of a collective approach consistent with the Stormont House Agreement, and one which is compliant with international human rights obligations. I reaffirmed those critical principles to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when we met last week in Dublin, and strongly advised against any unilateral action on these sensitive issues. Media reports last week of possible plans on to introduce a statute of limitations have of course caused significant upset, shock and concern. In my time as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have met with many victims and survivors, from both communities. I know how hurt they are at the idea of being denied a route to pursue justice on behalf of their loved ones.

As the Stormont House Agreement framework does, there is a need to take a comprehensive view of how to achieve progress and reconciliation for society as a whole, but the needs of victims and families must be at the heart of the process. We have strongly communicated our position on this issue to the UK Government and will continue to do so, and to caution in the clearest terms against any unilateral action. The Government remains ready to engage and work with the UK Government and the parties to the Northern Ireland Executive on this very important issue in the period immediately ahead, with a view to reaffirming a collective approach that is consistent with the Stormont House Agreement.

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