Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 to 21, inclusive, together.

Prime Minister Blair and I hosted three days of intensive multi-party talks with the Northern Ireland political parties from 11 to 13 October at St. Andrews in Scotland. The focus of the talks was on achieving full and effective operation of the political institutions of Northern Ireland.

The St. Andrews Agreement, which the two Governments published on 13 October, addresses the essential issues necessary for a stable and peaceful settlement in Northern Ireland. It underpins the Good Friday Agreement and is built on the twin pillars of power-sharing and support for policing and the rule of law. It sets out a clear roadmap to restoration. In particular, it also includes practical changes to the operation of the political institutions, which were originally the subject of the review process undertaken in 2004. A number of other issues relating to human rights, equality and victims are also addressed in the agreement.

Following the talks and at the request of the Governments, the parties engaged in extensive consultations regarding the agreement. On 10 November, the Governments announced that they were satisfied on the basis of their contacts with and responses from the parties that the St. Andrews Agreement, implemented in good faith, represented the basis for a political settlement.

Last week, the British Government published legislation that will give effect to the agreement. It makes the necessary legal provisions to allow devolved government to be restored in Northern Ireland on the basis of the timetable set out at St. Andrews. It also provides for assembly elections in March.

The leading parties are expected to indicate their intentions regarding nominations for the posts of First Minister and Deputy First Minister this Friday, 24 November, following which a transitional assembly will come into effect. The full slate of Ministers will be nominated in March in light of the outcome of the election and the executive will be restored on 26 March. There will also be an IMC report in January.

In the interim, the new programme for Government committee will discuss all of the necessary arrangements relating to ministerial responsibilities, ensuring that the executive can operate with immediate effect from next March. It had been intended that this committee would meet in the week following the talks at St. Andrews, but, as the House is aware, this did not happen. However, I welcome the fact that the inaugural meeting of the committee finally took place this week. It is essential that the parties engage in the committee's work fully to ensure that all issues relevant to the formation of the executive in March are addressed and resolved in good time.

The Governments are examining the bilateral measures they will need to take to give effect to the relevant St. Andrews amendments. The Attorney General will advise the Government on any other implications that may arise in light of the final text of the legislation when passed at Westminster. The Governments are determined to maintain momentum in the process. The St. Andrews Agreement offers the basis on which we can bring this process to successful finality.

There is an overwhelming wish in Northern Ireland to see devolution restored. This was particularly evident when the political parties engaged collectively, as a follow-up to St. Andrews, with Chancellor Gordon Brown prior to his announcement of a financial package for Northern Ireland. The announcement of the package is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved for the people of Northern Ireland when the parties work together.

I had meetings with representatives of both Sinn Féin and the SDLP in advance of the multi-party talks in Scotland. I had further meetings with Sinn Féin on 2 November and the SDLP on 9 November. At those meetings, we discussed a range of issues of concern to both parties. I have maintained contact with Prime Minister Blair since St. Andrews and we both remain absolutely determined to ensure that the vision of the Good Friday Agreement will be fully realised. I expect to meet with him on 4 December in London.

See this speech in context