Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the constitutional implications for the Republic of Ireland of a type of joint administration of Northern Ireland with the British Government as the alternative to a fully-functioning Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly after 24 November 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17485/06]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of the proposed joint responsibility of the Irish and British Governments for the administration of Northern Ireland after 24 November 2006 in the event of failure to elect a Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17486/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.

On 6 April in Armagh, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair set out the Government's joint strategy for achieving a fully functioning Assembly and Executive in 2006. The strategy is founded on a shared conviction that devolved partnership government, as enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, provides the best opportunity to create a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.

On 15 May, the Assembly will meet for the first time since suspension in October 2002. It will be asked to elect a First and Deputy First Minister and form an executive within six weeks. Should that not prove possible, the parties will be allowed some additional but limited time — until 24 November — for the express purpose of implementing the Agreement and establishing the Executive.

Our clear and primary focus is on making the Assembly and Executive work. Our plan is designed for success and we are urging all parties to grasp this opportunity to restore positive politics to Northern Ireland.

I want to stress that the Good Friday Agreement, endorsed by the people of Ireland, North and South, remains the template for cooperation between the two Governments in relation to Northern Ireland. Our aim is the formation of an Executive, within the period indicated, but in all circumstances the Governments are agreed that we will exercise our responsibilities to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement is implemented to the maximum possible extent for the benefit of all communities.