Written answers

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

Northern Ireland Issues

8:00 pm

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 143: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the transitional period about to be undergone in Northern Ireland with the resignation of the First Minister; his further views on a succession in this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10307/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The announcement by Dr Ian Paisley that he will step down as First Minister and DUP Party Leader after the International Investment Conference in May marks, as the Taoiseach has said, a watershed in Irish history. Dr Paisley's contribution as First Minister over the last nine months has been significant and positive. I am certain that he will continue to play an active role as First Minister in the period leading up to and during the Investment Conference. There will, of course, be a period of adjustment while the new leader of the DUP is selected and takes up the role of First Minister, but I would not expect this to delay progress on the many important issues before the Executive and the Assembly.

Since the restoration of the Institutions last May, the relationship between the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive has been working very well. We have recently had very productive plenary meetings of the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council. There is also very encouraging forward momentum on North/South cooperation across a range of areas. We wish to continue moving forward in this positive spirit. We are confident that all parties within the Northern Ireland Executive will continue to work constructively with us, in meaningful and practical ways, for the mutual benefit of Ireland, North & South.

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