Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

From one Seanad to another, I note and welcome the resolution passed in the US Senate last night reaffirming its unwavering support for the Good Friday Agreement and its full implementation.A similar motion was before the Seanad last week in which we reiterated and reaffirmed our collective support. We called for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Following the passing of an amendment I had tabled, we included the Stormont House legacy mechanisms, while a successful amendment tabled by Senator Black called for the establishment of a citizens' assembly to plan responsibly for constitutional change down the line.

Furthermore, 25 Members of the US Congress have called on their President, Mr. Biden, to appoint a special envoy to the North. That is a welcome call and one we can support. It is necessary in these uncertain times post Brexit, given it is crucial we all not just reaffirm our support for the implementation of the agreement but also work to ensure the implementation will take place for the benefit of all. If it is agreeable to the Leader and the House, I propose she write to colleagues in the US Senate to welcome that unwavering support for the Good Friday Agreement and the call for a special envoy for the North. She could indicate to them our shared support for their call for the agreement's implementation.