Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 to 25, inclusive, together.

The Cabinet Committee on Northern Ireland was created on 18 February 2025 to oversee implementation of relevant programme for Government commitments and ongoing developments in relation to Northern Ireland, Irish-British relations and the shared island initiative.

As well as considering issues relevant to the Government’s position as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, including our role in Good Friday Agreement institutions such as the North-South Ministerial Council, the British-Irish Council and the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, topics for discussion will also include the annual United Kingdom-Irish summits and their agreed programme of work, and the continued roll-out and development of the investment, research and dialogue strands of the shared island initiative.

I look forward to attending the next British-Irish Council summit in June in Newcastle, County Down. I welcome also that North-South Ministerial Council sectorals are continuing at pace, with seven having already taken place this year and another due to happen tomorrow. I also look forward to attending the next plenary meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, in June, hosted by First Minister O'Neill and deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly.

Membership of the Cabinet committee consists of: the Taoiseach; the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and for Defence; the Minister for Finance; the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform; and the Minister for Justice. The Minister of State, Seán Canney, is also entitled to attend. Other Ministers and Ministers of State can also be invited to participate as required. This Cabinet committee will meet biannually. Its first meeting took place on 12 May.

Issues related to Northern Ireland will continue to also be discussed at Cabinet, including where decisions are required, and at leadership level.

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