Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is true to say that this is an international agreement backed by the United States and Europe. At the commencement of our Presidency of the European Union in 2013 we were able to secure continuing peace funds until 2020, a further €3.5 billion, which is an important factor.

In respect of dealing with the people of Northern Ireland, Deputy Adams is aware that I met people from Ballymurphy, Kingsmill, Omagh, Enniskillen and other areas, as have Ministers on the North-South Ministerial Council. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, has focused on his duties in the North, which is something we want to continue.

The election is under way and the people will have their decision on 3 March. Out of that, I hope we can have an assembly and Executive that will work within the institutions that are in place, which were established under the international agreement lodged with the United Nations, and which will have the support of Europe and the continuing support of the United States. We will work with the British Government as a co-guarantor of the Agreement to see that these things are implemented.

Obviously, the Fresh Start agreement of just over a year ago contains opportunities to deal with elements that are still outstanding, namely, the legacies of the past, as Deputy Adams is well aware. I take his point that the Sinn Féin Party will work with all other parties in the interests of clearing the slate, as it were, in terms of many issues that have arisen over the years.

Deputy Adams can take it from me, on the assumption that we will have an assembly and Executive, that we will continue to work diligently with all the parties, specifically the British Government, to see that the institutions and conditions of the Good Friday Agreement, including those the Deputy mentioned, such as Acht na Gaeilge, are implemented.

I did mention to the former First Minister the issue of the deontas dóibh siúd a bhí fonn orthu an Ghaeilge a labhairt agus tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sé sin ar fáil arís.

The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, spoke again to Secretary of State, Mr. James Brokenshire, last night. Believe me that we will keep a very close watch on the issues.

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