Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timetable for the re-establishment of all the institutions created under the Good Friday Agreement in view of the recall of the Northern Ireland Assembly; when new negotiations between the political parties in Northern Ireland and the British and Irish Governments will begin; the location of these talks; the length of time they are expected to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19724/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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On 6 April in Armagh, the Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair set out the Governments' joint strategy to achieve restoration of the devolved institutions of the Good Friday Agreement this year. The joint strategy established a clear timetable, commencing with the recall of the Assembly on 15 May. Members have been given an initial period of six weeks to elect a First and Deputy First Minister and form an Executive. 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.

The two Governments firmly believe that the recall of the Assembly brings with it a precious opportunity to foster real political progress, and to chart the way for important decisions affecting the lives of every section of the community to be taken by locally elected politicians. As we have done throughout the process, the Government is maintaining close contact with the parties and, together with the British Government, will engage as and when necessary with the parties to facilitate a positive outcome.