Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the continuing failure of the Northern Ireland Executive to meet, and the comments of Northern Ireland's former Police Ombudsman that such failure may damage the prospects for the emergence of inclusive political structures; the discussions that have been held recently to which the Irish Government was party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38378/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to the full implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement, including the effective operation of all of the Institutions — the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council.

The effective operation of these Institutions, which came into existence on the basis of a mandate from all of the people of this island, is crucial in order to sustain and build upon the massive progress made in Northern Ireland over the last decade. The Government is therefore deeply concerned about the ongoing impasse in the Northern Ireland Executive and the impact which this is having on the operation of the North South Ministerial Council.

In relation to the comments of former Police Ombudsman Ms Nuala O'Loan, I would agree that we cannot be complacent and that all efforts must be made to avoid any situation which might be exploited by those on the fringes who would seek to destroy the peace and prosperity which the people of Northern Ireland have worked so hard to achieve.

The Government remains in close contact with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach and I held meetings with both Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness on Friday 17 October. I reviewed the overall situation in detail with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in London on Tuesday 28 October, and later that week with the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in Belfast. I welcome the statement of the First Minister, Peter Robinson, at his party's Conference on Saturday that he hoped the Executive will in a few weeks be able "to get through the present difficulties and to build for the future". I also take encouragement from the peaceful passing of last Sunday's parade and related protests in Belfast.

I am pleased that the parties are continuing to engage in discussions and both Governments will continue to offer support and assistance to the parties as they work to find solutions to their current difficulties.