Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 8, inclusive, together.

I spoke by telephone to Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday following the outcome of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections. We agreed to speak again when we meet tomorrow, Thursday, at the European Council in Brussels. During our phone conversation we agreed that early engagement by the political parties in Northern Ireland is required with a view to re-establishing a functioning Executive as soon as possible, and to address outstanding issues under the agreements. We also agreed that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, would engage together with the parties over the coming days. They are to meet in Belfast today, and are probably meeting as we speak.

There is a three week window for the formation of a new Executive. The political parties have each received fresh mandates. Particular responsibilities attach to the two parties, the Democratic Unionist Party, DUP, and Sinn Féin, which are entitled to nominate a First Minister and deputy First Minister to engage with each other and to advance discussions with all eligible political parties on the formation of a new Executive. Dealing with outstanding issues from previous agreements will be necessary to create confidence at this critical moment for devolution in Northern Ireland. All parties eligible to nominate Ministers to the Executive will be invited to participate in these discussions which, in accordance with previous agreements, will be facilitated by the two Governments. That is why the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State are there today.

The Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has spoken to party leaders to congratulate them on the electoral mandate they have achieved and to encourage them to play their part in creating the conditions that allow for the formation of a new power-sharing Assembly and Executive. The heart of the Good Friday Agreement is its interlocking political institutions. However, they can only be sustained on the basis of partnership, equality and mutual respect. As a co-guarantor, the Irish Government is determined to uphold the principles of the Agreement and to protect its institutions. In the coming weeks, we will work with all concerned to see the power-sharing Assembly and Executive restored to effective and harmonious operation. I hope it can happen.

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