Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
387. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that he and his Department have taken to assist in re-establishing the Northern Ireland Executive following the Northern Ireland Assembly elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33792/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe institutions of power-sharing are at the centre of the Good Friday Agreement and it is paramount that those institutions are restored as soon as possible. It is for the parties now, and those representatives that have been elected by the people, to come together to establish an Executive, and the Irish Government will continue to work to support this vital goal.
I have remained in contact with the parties in Northern Ireland, and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland following the Assembly elections. I travelled to Belfast for meetings with the political parties on 11 May. I also spoke with the leader of the DUP Jeffrey Donaldson in the period immediately following the election. Furthermore, the Taoiseach travelled to Belfast on 20 May to meet with political parties and business leaders. In our discussions with the political parties during these visits, we discussed the importance of forming an Executive as soon as possible. I remain in regular contact with the parties in the period since those meetings.
It is disappointing that the parties have as of yet been unable to agree to elect a speaker for the Assembly or an Executive.
It is vital that nothing is done to undermine political stability in Northern Ireland, and that we work collectively in support of the institutions. In particular, the UK Government’s decision to table legislation to unilaterally dis-apply elements of the Protocol is disappointing and deeply concerning.
The protection of the Good Friday Agreement and its institutions has always been our priority. A constructive and solution-focussed approach is needed from all concerned, and the Government has communicated that message clearly and strongly to the British Government. The clear majority of MLAs elected are supportive of the Protocol. Work on formation of the Executive and on application of the Protocol should both proceed in parallel.
The Government will continue to do all in its power to work together with the British Government to support the full functioning of the democratic institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. I hope, as we all do, that we will see those institutions up and running as soon as possible. This is the best way to ensure a peaceful and a prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland.
