Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think the Deputy will be aware, given his capacity as Uachtarán Sinn Fein, that matters are at a delicate and sensitive stage in Northern Ireland. On the matter of the talks, we are very much, in sporting parlance, in time added on for injuries.

An earlier question referred to Brexit. In that context and in the context of dealing for once and for all with the very delicate and sensitive issue of the horrific legacy in Northern Ireland, in what is not a post-conflict society, there is a need to ensure that the many thousands of victims and families, and survivors are dealt with in a way that real. The international treaty to which the Deputy referred is an important component of that, but other issues are the subject matter of discussions today in Belfast. I intend to be present at a meeting tomorrow. It is incumbent on everybody involved to ensure that the legacy institutions, as established under the Stormont House Agreement, are up and running and implemented at the earliest opportunity. I welcome the assistance and involvement of Uachtarán Sinn Féin and his colleagues in that regard.

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