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

The implementation of all aspects of the agreement is the focus for early this year and beyond. As part of the efforts to ensure effective implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, I will attend a review meeting with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties in Belfast next week, at which our implementation timeline will be agreed. It will involve a level of legislation, including in this House, and in that regard I have contacted my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. There must be preparation of appropriate legislation to enable our engagement in the new institutions, and this has already commenced. It will be introduced to the Houses by the Minister for Justice and Equality in early course.

The Deputy mentioned the historical investigations unit. That will take some time to set up but there is a resolve on the part of all parties in Northern Ireland, the Executive and the British Government to ensure that both the historical investigations unit and the retrieval body will be established and set up at the earliest opportunity. I will keep the House fully informed of developments in this regard and I look forward to the Irish Government being committed fully to all aspects of the agreement where we have engagement and compliance responsibilities.

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