Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I regularly discuss the political situation in Northern Ireland with the Secretary of State. I have discussed the current instability with reference to the issues raised as recently as late last week. It is important that the conduct of the elections is such that all parties ultimately elected to the assembly have a responsibility towards establishing a working Executive in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement.

The Deputy referred to the importance of several issues relating to the Good Friday Agreement, which a level of consideration must be given towards having full compliance. There are several outstanding provisions which have been specifically referenced in the Stormont House Agreement, including provisions concerning the obligations for the promotion of cultural tolerance, mutual respect and mutual understanding at every level of society, as well as a range of priorities for North-South co-operation.

The election campaign is under way and I look forward to continuing to play my part and the part of the Irish Government as co-guarantor of the Agreement. Ultimately, there will be an obligation on those elected to the assembly in March to sit down and work out a programme for government, re-establish the Executive in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Good Friday Agreement.

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