Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very grateful to Senator Naughton for providing me with the opportunity to discuss this important issue, which, in many respects, cuts to the heart of the Government's approach to peace and stability on this island, as well as our commitment to the international human rights framework on a more general basis. The Good Friday Agreement, including its provisions on human rights, was endorsed by an overwhelming majority of people on this island, as Senator Naughton said. We will continue to work with the UK Government to ensure the Agreement's legacy thrives and, as I said, I will follow developments on these matters very closely.

I have arranged a meeting next week with the recently re-appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers. I look forward to having this matter on the agenda. I wish to assure the House that I will underline to her the importance which this Government attaches to human rights in the context of the Good Friday Agreement and also a number of particular concerns that have been raised by the Senator this morning.