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

Deputy Griffin raised the issue of the protocol. To answer in general all the Deputies who have raised issues in this regard, following my meetings with the British Prime Minister, and her meetings with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, there is a preference on all sides for a negotiated settlement. If negotiations commence, let us give them space. I do not think we should be using language such as "U-turns" or anything like that. We want a negotiated solution in the best interest of relationships in Europe and Britain in the first instance, and then in terms of the island of Ireland and harmonious trading relationships as well. If such negotiations commence, there will be difficulties. They will not be simple. Space should be provided to allow an opportunity to get a negotiated settlement.

Deputy Durkan raised the issue of the shared island. When I spoke about providing space, that was a reference to the first part of the question. Of course we discussed the protocol, but I think the language being used is that we would prefer a negotiated solution to these issues. Regarding the shared island initiative, concerning the comments of Deputy Ó Murchú and others, that is the real dialogue that is going on. Up to 3,000 people have now engaged in the shared island dialogue in different sectors, in respect of, for example, the All-Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network and the All-Island Women's Forum. I attended a very good conference held under the auspices of the latter organisation recently in Dublin. Just yesterday, I was at an event organised by The Wheel and the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, which are the umbrella bodies for voluntary and community associations North and South. They have developed an iconic project to undertake a North–South approach to voluntary organisations and we have funded that through the shared island initiative. Therefore, I am very much heartened by the youth dialogue that has occurred and the new Irish tourism enterprise. A whole range of dialogues have occurred and these have involved at least 3,000 citizens. It is hard work, but it is the painstaking approach. I say that because building reconciliation and trust is not about just holding one assembly where people get together into a room and everything is solved. I do not think that will work. I think what will be involved will be the long and painstaking building of bridges.

Turning to what the research side of the shared island initiative has brought about, we have commissioned for the first time ever comprehensive research into the different systems that exist in areas such as health, education, enterprise and the services sector, to be undertaken by the Economic and Social Research Institute and the National Economic and Social Council. Weighty outcomes and outputs have resulted, particularly on school completion rates in the North versus the Republic. There are lessons to be learned from that information. Then there is the €1 billion we have provided to fund projects in this regard. We have developed a very rich vein of activities. I appreciate the work of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, and it unanimously endorsed this approach when we met.

I agree with what Deputy Brendan Smith said. The outgoing minister of state for Northern Ireland, Conor Burns, undoubtedly did a great deal of constructive work during August in meeting representatives of different organisations.

I think I have covered the points Deputy Haughey made about the chance to reset the relationship. We raised issues in this regard. The British Government has been contributing to some aspects of the shared island initiative in respect of research centres. I refer to using research expertise available in Britain, Northern Ireland and here to study issues of mutual interest. Turning to the question Deputy Haughey raised concerning the restoration of the Northern institutions, I pressed very strongly for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Prime Minister Truss was adamant that, as far as she is concerned, those institutions should be restored. Now I cannot give a timeline as to when negotiations between the EU and the British Government will result in an outcome. The British Government, however, is of a view that if the Northern Ireland Executive is not restored, there will be elections. This was the view of the British Prime Minister, and she is adamant that should happen.

Deputy Paul Murphy raised the income tax issue. Our marginal rate is 52%, if PRSI and USC are included.

See this speech in context