Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 14, inclusive, together.

I had separate meetings with DUP party leader, Arlene Foster MLA, and her colleague, Simon Hamilton MLA, and with a Sinn Féin delegation including Michelle O'Neill MLA and Deputy Gerry Adams in Government Buildings on 16 June. In my discussion with the DUP, we spoke about a range of topics, including Brexit, their negotiations with the Conservative Party and LGBT rights in Northern Ireland. In the meeting with Sinn Féin, our discussions included its concerns around Brexit, an Irish language Act and its views regarding Irish unity. In both meetings, we discussed a wide range of issues, including the urgent need to re-establish the Northern Ireland Executive, noting the deadline of 29 June for completion of negotiations. There was also agreement on the importance of a functioning Executive in the context of the Brexit negotiations which started on Monday, 19 June. I made it clear that my Government and I would work in support of the Northern Ireland parties to re-establish the Executive and in pursuit of strong North-South relations, including through the North-South Ministerial Council. I stressed the objectives of ensuring Brexit does not impact negatively on the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process and of protecting North-South trade and economic activity, the common travel area and associated reciprocal rights. I raised the ongoing discussions with the DUP on the formation of a new Government in London, which is a matter for the parties represented at Westminster, noting the need to avoid any outcome which could interfere with devolution and the prospects of re-establishing the Executive.

As reported in the Programme for a Partnership Government Annual Report 2017, the Government continues to engage with the British Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland to support the power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, including through the current talks process to address outstanding commitments from previous agreements and support the formation of a new Executive. I made a comprehensive report to the House on my contact with Prime Minister May since 8 June during Question Time in the House on 21 June.

See this speech in context