Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree it is important that politics be seen to work. All of the political parties and political leaders in Northern Ireland work closely together to communicate a clear message that the street violence seen in recent weeks should not continue because it is damaging and unrepresentative of the people of Northern Ireland. We have been working very closely with the Northern Ireland Executive over the past couple of years. I noted earlier today that approximately 50 ministerial meetings have been held under the framework of the North-South Ministerial Council. These meetings deal with practical issues, such as transport, education and health services. I have remained in close contact with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, as well as the Minister of Justice, David Ford, MLA. My colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality, is also in regular contact with the Minister, Mr. Ford. I have also maintained close contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, MP, and her predecessor, Owen Patterson, MP. The purpose of our meeting tomorrow is to discuss with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister a positive way out of the current difficulties and to assure them of the support of both Governments in finding a solution.

See this speech in context