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

Following the request made by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, and I, together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, facilitated the return of all five main parties in Northern Ireland to round table talks. The talks resumed on 21 September and are still continuing in a constructive atmosphere.

I have worked closely with the Secretary of State in encouraging all parties to continue to engage constructively in the talks process, both in round table format and the various bilateral and trilateral meetings. My current assessment is that the talks have moved to a more intensive phase. There is a good measure of progress in the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement, as well as in dealing with the legacy and impact of paramilitarism. The Stormont House Agreement offers a blueprint for overcoming current difficulties in the Executive, especially in financing, welfare reform and dealing with the legacy of the past.

With regard to the budget, the Agreement contained a commitment of close to £2 billion sterling in additional spending capacity for the Northern Ireland Executive. It also included specific financial commitments by the Irish Government in respect of the A5 road to Derry and the reconciliation work of the International Fund for Ireland. While financing and welfare reform is primarily an issue for the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, I have continually encouraged the parties to resolve their differences for the sake of Northern Ireland’s economic stability and the sustainability of public services.

The British Government has a key role to play in this area and its engagement will, I hope, continue to recognise the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland as a society still addressing the legacy of conflict.

It is also crucial that the work started by the Stormont House Agreement on establishing institutions to deal with the legacy of the past is completed to ensure justice and truth can bring what healing is possible to victims and survivors of the Troubles and their families.

See this speech in context