Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
111. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts being made by the Irish and British governments as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement to ensure that the Northern Ireland institutions are fully functional and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22634/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will continue to work closely with the British government and with the parties in Northern Ireland in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent implementing Agreements.
I am in frequent contact with the British Government. I have remained in close contact with the Secretary of State Brandon Lewis both in the run up to and after the Assembly election, including on the day of the election itself. We discussed the importance of calm and measured leadership in the period ahead, and how the Governments will work together to support the restoration of fully functioning institutions. On 4 May, I spoke with the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss where I emphasised the importance of our position as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.
Both governments remain in close contact, including through the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC). The BIIGC is an institution of the Good Friday Agreement under Strand Three, which brings together the Irish and British Governments to promote bilateral cooperation at all levels on all matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Governments. At the most recent meeting of the BIIGC, on 23 March, SoSNI and I discussed the importance of both governments co-operating in the period ahead to ensure the full functioning of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. It was also agreed that the next meeting of the BIIGC will take place in London in June. I look forward to an enhanced role for the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC), as set out in the Programme for Government.
This Government has taken every opportunity in our regular engagements with the British Government to emphasise our shared commitment to the full functioning of the Northern Ireland institutions. Officials in my department meet regularly with their counterparts in the British Government.
The full implementation and effective operation of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement is a central priority for this Government. The Agreement, as well as the principles and values underpinning them, are at the core of the Government’s commitment to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island.
