Written answers

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Department of An Taoiseach

Northern Ireland Issues

9:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 179: To ask the Taoiseach the plans he has to progress measures, apart from the Good Friday Agreement Committee, for the representation in the Houses of the Oireachtas for citizens from the Six Counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29267/08]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, which was established in October 2007, provides a valuable forum to members of both Houses of the Oireachtas to discuss the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and related matters with Members of the Westminster Parliament elected for constituencies in Northern Ireland. In its relatively short time in existence, it has already done very valuable work.

The establishment of a North/South Joint Parliamentary Forum to bring together representatives of the Oireachtas and of the Northern Ireland Assembly which was proposed in the Good Friday Agreement is the next priority for the Government in this area.

It would make a major contribution to dialogue and mutual understanding between North and South. This was discussed at the Sixth Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council last February and progress will be reported at its next meeting scheduled for 3 October next.

The Government also supports ongoing engagement with the unionist parties in Northern Ireland with a view to their future participation in the East/West parliamentary forum.

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