Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I share the Deputy's views. He is correct to state that these are aspects of the St. Andrews Agreement and the Good Friday Agreement that have not yet been brought to full realisation. We take the establishment of both fora very seriously. Since the institutions were restored in 2007, we have urged and will continue to urge the early establishment of the consultative forum following the completion by the Northern Ireland Executive of its review of the Northern Ireland Civic Forum. The fact that has not been completed has delayed things somewhat. To cut to the chase, we hope that there may be a new impetus post the Hillsborough agreement and a new dynamic is emerging within the Executive. There have been moves in terms of the parliamentary forum. A conference is taking place, which is an important first step in terms of dialogue between both Parliaments.

On the forum, we had a very useful meeting at Farmleigh and will have a further meeting next week on 26 May. It will be co-chaired by representatives of civil society, including Mary Davis of Special Olympics Ireland and David Humphreys, the retired rugby player from Northern Ireland.

See this speech in context