Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind the House that addressing the needs of victims and survivors is at the core of the Government's approach to dealing with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland. Indeed, this is reflected in the recently agreed programme for Government, as published. We will continue to work to build on the progress made in the all-party talks last autumn, to see the establishment of a new institutional framework on the past, as agreed under the Stormont House agreement.

Following the formation of the Northern Ireland Executive, I hope that new and positive ways can be found to establish the legacy bodies in the near future. I will continue to prioritise these issues and actively engage with the new Northern Ireland Executive and the Secretary of State.

I wish to assure the Deputy that at the earliest opportunity - at my next meeting in the coming few weeks - I will again stress the importance of movement on this issue as being a priority for our Government. In the context of yesterday's all-party motion, I believe that will strengthen my hand and that of the Government in dealing with this issue. I undertake to report back to the Deputy and the House at the earliest opportunity.

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