Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The controversy concerning the substance of the RHI scheme is a matter solely and exclusively for the devolved institutions, and not something on which I or the Government would comment. As stated previously, I regret the circumstances which led to the decision of the deputy First Minister to resign from office. I acknowledge his contribution and leadership over the past decade within the power-sharing institutions. I also offer my congratulations to his successor, Michelle O'Neill, the new leader of Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland. I wish her well in this important leadership role.

It was clear, immediately following the resignation of the deputy First Minister, that the prospect of a resolution ahead of the triggering of an Assembly election was slim. However both Governments, in their capacity as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, made full use of the narrow window available to ensure that any avenues for resolution between the parties prior to an election were fully explored. In the event, an Assembly election has been triggered and will be held on Thursday, 2 March. The Secretary of State and I have agreed that both Governments should continue to work closely together in the weeks to come, looking ahead to the post-election period, when a new power-sharing Executive will need to be formed. We have also urged the parties to approach the election campaign in calm and respectful terms, conscious that polarising rhetoric and frayed relationships will damage the prospects of forming an Executive after the votes have been counted.

We must all be mindful that effective devolved Government, underpinned by a genuine spirit of partnership, is what the people of Northern Ireland voted for in 1998 and what they expect their elected politicians to deliver. It is of the utmost importance that all parties bear in mind the principles of mutual respect, partnership and equality that underpin the Good Friday Agreement.

In this regard, several elements of the Good Friday Agreement and St. Andrews Agreement have not yet been fully implemented, including an Irish Language Act. The Government’s firm position is that the Good Friday Agreement and the successor agreements must be implemented in full. This is reflected in the programme for Government.

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