Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Matters in the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly present ongoing difficulties and are in something of a gridlock, which is why the current round of talks is taking place. Notwithstanding that, however, I was impressed by the meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council last Friday. It was the first time I had an opportunity for such engagement. All party representatives and Ministers came with a spirit of constructive engagement. Progress was made over a wide range of issues, with particular reference to trade, commerce and tourism. I accept what the Deputy has said, however, and I assure him that it remains Government policy that the Good Friday Agreement, as well as the St. Andrews Agreement, must be implemented in full.

Among the outstanding elements are the North-South consultative forum, the Irish Language Act and the Bill of Rights. The agenda, format and schedule for the all-party talks are yet to be finalised but I will use all appropriate avenues to progress the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and I assure the Deputy of my determination, and the determination of the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Sherlock, and all my Government colleagues. I will undertake to report back to the House when the format of the agenda has been agreed and when the talks commence.

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