Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The Government is bringing before the House a Bill to amend the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999. I express my gratitude to the House for its recognition of the urgency involved in passing this important legislation. Given this urgency, the approval of the House for an earlier signature motion will also be sought.

The Northern Ireland Assembly was temporarily suspended on 15 October. This suspension has necessitated the remedial legislation before the House today. This legislation will ensure the North-South Implementation Bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement are able to continue their work during the period of suspension of the Assembly.

The suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly six weeks ago came as a disappointment to all of us committed to the Good Friday Agreement, in letter and in spirit. In a joint statement issued following the announcement of suspension the British and Irish Governments expressed their firm belief that the Agreement offered the only viable future for all the people of Northern Ireland.

One of the reasons the suspension of the Assembly is so disappointing is that devolution has largely been a success in Northern Ireland. The overwhelming majority of the population of Northern Ireland, both Unionist and Nationalist, voted for it in 1998. There have been difficulties associated with the implementation of certain other aspects of the Agreement. Nevertheless, it is clear the people of Northern Ireland feel positively about being represented by their own locally elected Assembly. Moreover, it has been a source of great satisfaction to those of us involved in parliamentary politics in this part of the island to see the positive contribution the legislative Assembly has made to political life in Northern Ireland.

The Executive has also served the people of Northern Ireland well in tackling the day-to-day tasks of public administration. Locally elected Ministers, representative of both traditions, have together taken important decisions which affect the daily lives of all the people of Northern Ireland. These arrangements, which bring inclusive government to the people of Northern Ireland, offer the best hope for future peace and stability in the region.