Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 16, inclusive, together. Northern Ireland is experiencing a difficult and turbulent period and needs stability. It is very important that we all work collectively on the island, and between the two Governments, towards maintaining stability and calm heads, staying focused on what is important to the people within Northern Ireland. It is in everyone's interests that the Executive now be allowed to get on with the full range of urgent business it faces.

I wished Edwin Poots well, on a personal level, following his announcement that he will be stepping down as leader of the DUP. I had a worthwhile meeting with Mr. Poots more than a fortnight ago when we discussed quite a number of issues. I also take this opportunity to offer my congratulations to Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who will succeed Mr. Poots as party leader, and I look forward to working with him and the other party leaders in the period ahead.

I held a meeting with Mr. Poots in Government Buildings on 3 June. He was accompanied by Paul Givan, who was subsequently appointed First Minister on 17 June. I impressed on them the importance of close co-operation between the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government. We had a good discussion on the importance of the stability and good functioning of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. We discussed the protocol, and the genuine concerns many in the unionist community have regarding its operation. I stressed that the Government was focused on supporting practical solutions and reducing friction where possible.

The meeting of the British-Irish Council that took place in Fermanagh on 11 June gave me an opportunity to meet with then First Minister, Arlene Foster, and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, as well as a number of other ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive.

I have written to Doug Beattie to congratulate him on his selection as the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and I look forward to an early opportunity to meet with him. I previously had a series of phone calls with then First Minister Arlene Foster, deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill and all the party leaders in April, when we discussed the unrest on the streets of Northern Ireland and related issues.

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