Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he perceives opportunities to advance the letter and the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement in the aftermath of the visit of President Biden with particular reference to avail of any dividend from President Biden’s visit to reenergise the Good Friday Agreement. [18276/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe twenty-fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement is an important time to reflect on our shared peace and to celebrate what was a transformative moment for everyone on this island, bringing peace and resetting relationships.
As we celebrate all that the Good Friday Agreement achieved, and consider how best we can fulfil its vision, increasing awareness and understanding of the Agreement among the public is a key priority. The text of the Good Friday Agreement is available on a dedicated 25 Years of the Good Friday Agreement section of the Ireland.ie website and my Department's website, along with detailed information on the institutions it created, and the work done since 1998 to consolidate peace. This is an environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient way of making the text of the Agreement widely accessible to the public, while also providing additional information and context. My Department is also working with the Department of Education to make available appropriate material for students on the Agreement.
As we mark this important anniversary, it is important that we include a broad and representative range of voices from across communities, particularly those of civil society and young people. The Government's cultural celebration at the Abbey Theatre on 2 April, entitled Sharing Peace, Sharing Futures, reflected this objective, celebrating a diverse set of voices and perspectives, and was streamed live to the public on RTE.
It is also important that the international dimension of support for peace is acknowledged, including that of the US and EU. In recognition of this, Ireland’s diplomatic network is playing a central role in marking the anniversary. The Department of Foreign Affairs is holding a number of events at Ireland’s embassies and consulates around the world to celebrate the vital and ongoing support of the international community to the process of peace and reconciliation.
