Oireachtas Committee hears realistic assessment of the Good Friday Agreement

Committee members had a chance to reflect on the past 15 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and look towards the future when they met with Peter Sheridan, Chief Executive, Co-operation Ireland; Neil Jarman, Director, Institute for Conflict Research and Professor Brandon Hamber, Director of INCORE University of Ulster.

Committee Chairman Joe McHugh TD says: “On behalf of Committee Members, I would like to thank our guests today from whom we received a refreshing insight and heard a realistic assessment of the achievements of, and challenges, facing the Agreement.

“We heard that the Good Friday Agreement is looked upon as unique and ground-breaking in an international context and that it has laid the foundations for a more peaceful, safer and the beginnings of a fairer Northern Ireland.  The consolidation of peace and the practical cooperation between the political leaders of both communities has contributed to a greater stability and prosperity for those living in Northern Ireland and the border region.  Many people are alive today because an Agreement could be reached.

“However, from the reflections today, it is clear that the Agreement and the peace process is still a work in progress and is by no means complete. The Committee was told that a number of challenges remain in relation to segregation, sectarianism, mistrust, continued paramilitarism in some areas and the need to implement the agreement on the ground in communities. We also heard of the need for the development of policy in areas such as education and anti-poverty and the value of a civic forum to interact with the political leadership.

“This Committee, comprising Members from the Oireachtas and MPs from Northern Ireland, has contributed to fostering better links and dialogue between parliamentarians and groups from both sides of the border. We are focused on working at grassroots level in loyalist and nationalist communities to progress the achievements of the Agreement. Our Committee recently visited Belfast to engage community leaders of both traditions in North and East Belfast and Lisburn. As part of our Committee’s efforts to continue to explore all practical ways towards reconciliation, enhanced cooperation and full implementation of the Agreement, we will visit Belfast again on 2nd and 3rd May to meet with politicians and community representatives.

“It is vitally important that the people who are engaged in positive peace-building in Northern Ireland are aware that there are many people on these islands and beyond who have a tremendous desire for the peace process to be successful. Recent roundtable discussions organised by the British Academy and the US Embassy to mark the 15th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement gives a strong indication that there is a sincere willingness to help and assist with the on-going efforts to bring peace and stability to Northern Ireland.

“I hope that our committee can act as an honest broker in this regard and play its part in making Northern Irish citizens aware of this genuine commitment to peace.”

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For further information please contact:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Members of the Committee:
Deputies Seán Conlan,  Seán Crowe, Clare Daly, Regina Doherty,  Peter Fitzpatrick, Frank Feighan, Martin Ferris, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Peter Fitzpatrick,  Michael P. Kitt, Joe McHugh, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Joe O’Reilly, Brendan Smith and Joanna Tuffy.
Senators Jim D’Arcy, Maurice Cummins, Martin McAleese, Mary Moran, Mary White.
Chairman: Joe McHugh, TD Vice-Chairman: Joe O'Reilly, TD