Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I speak to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Karen Bradley, at lot with regard to Northern Ireland. When I last spoke with her it was in advance of her speaking in Westminster and giving an update on Northern Ireland. I told Ms Bradley that I would like her to consider a British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. I felt it would be appropriate at this stage to have that structure enacted so both Governments could formally discuss the various options they need to consider around a budget for Northern Ireland, how we take our next steps getting a devolved Government back up and running in Northern Ireland and other practical issues that can and should be raised on an east-west basis between the two Governments. I have not yet had a response to this proposal. Ms Bradley has said she wants to think about it, which is perfectly reasonable. Ms Bradley has subsequently been-----

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