Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 6, inclusive, together.

I discussed the political situation in Northern Ireland with Prime Minister May when I spoke to her by phone on 29 March. The main political parties in Northern Ireland have been invited to participate in political talks which started on Monday, 3 April in Belfast. The Irish and British Governments are agreed that this phase of talks will be best supported by an intensive process to drive progress here.

The talks have two objectives, first, to allow the political parties to reach an agreement on the formation of a new Executive, and second, to address the implementation of outstanding issues from previous agreements. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, is representing the Government during this phase of discussions and is keeping me continually informed.

It is critically important to see devolved government restored and working effectively in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland, in particular in the context of Brexit. As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is determined to uphold its principles and protect its institutions. We will continue to work to this end with the British Government and with all of the parties in the discussions that are under way in Belfast. I and the Government will continue to advocate very strongly for Northern Ireland's interests to be protected in the Brexit negotiations. There is, however, no substitute for an Executive speaking with one voice on these critical issues. All concerned must, therefore, redouble efforts to achieve the re-establishment of power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

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