Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Northern Ireland peace process has always been very fragile. As we have seen so often, the stability of the Northern Ireland institutions cannot be taken for granted. In the immediate future, we need to ensure that a First Minister and a deputy First Minister are in place and that the current Assembly continues until the scheduled elections next year. We also need to ensure that the North-South and east-west structures provided for in the Good Friday Agreement meet regularly, with a full complement of Ministers if appropriate. We need to see the implementation of the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent implementing agreements, especially New Decade, New Approach, and including the measures proposed for the Irish language. Tensions in Northern Ireland are raised at present and focused on the Northern Ireland protocol. Does the Taoiseach agree that it is a time for calm heads to dial down the rhetoric, so to speak? It may seem obvious, but dialogue is the way to proceed. Does the Taoiseach agree that it is not a time for megaphone diplomacy or unilateral demands? Such dialogue has been lacking in recent years. We need to rebuild relationships on all side and there is much work to be done.

I refer to the dynamics of Northern Ireland politics, which are changing. According to the latest Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, which was published recently, approximately 42% of people in Northern Ireland define themselves as neither unionist nor nationalist. Many young people in Northern Ireland are more liberal and have a different outlook. Does the Taoiseach believe these societal changes will contribute to bringing about lasting peace, prosperity and progress in Northern Ireland? Does he believe the shared island initiative has a role to play in this regard? On 10 May, the shared island dialogue considered the equality and inclusivity agenda on this island. Does the Taoiseach believe this agenda is significant in the politics of Northern Ireland at this time?

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