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

On the issue raised by Deputy Quinlivan, of course the British and Irish Governments are key in underpinning the Good Friday Agreement. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been working with the new Secretary of State and engaging with the political parties on this.

I met with political parties yesterday and I have met with the British Prime Minister about the restoration of the institutions. She was clear that there would be an election in line with the legislation as part of existing agreements. The political parties, including the DUP, know that is the position of the British Government.

I say this is in response to all Deputies: Deputy Haughey asked about an update on yesterday's talks, and I made it clear during those talks that four parties want to go back into the Executive and the DUP says it wants the protocol issue resolved prior to going back. I made the point that they should go back in. The people have voted and their mandate should be respected and the institutions should be upheld. People should be able to attend the Parliament, which is the normal thing that happens after an election. People go to the Parliament and form a government or, in this case, an executive. That is what should happen and I pressed that.

Deputy Tóibín raised the matter of subsequent reform. I do not think the Alliance Party would appreciate the Deputy taking credit for its members coming to the view that there should be reform.

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