Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his most recent meeting and substantive discussions with his counterpart from the United Kingdom; if he has indicated his foreign affairs priorities, in particular in relation to continued stabilisation in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41942/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As neighbours and fellow members of the European Union, Ireland and Britain enjoy excellent cooperation across a wide range of issues. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, my primary interlocutors are the British Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The British Foreign Secretary, Mr.David Miliband M.P., visited Dublin on 1 July and we discussed a range of issues including the Lisbon Treaty, Iran, the Middle East and the situation in Burma. I, of course, also have regular contact with the Foreign Secretary in the margins of EU and other international meetings.

I also meet regularly with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Shaun Woodward, M.P., to discuss the situation in Northern Ireland. Our most recent meeting was on 13 November 2009. In my discussions with the Secretary of State, and with other relevant interlocutors, the focus is always on the consolidation of the Good Friday Agreement and its Institutions. As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements, the Government is committed to the full and effective implementation of all aspects of these Agreements which provide the basis for sustainable permanent peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. To this end, I have stressed the importance of addressing those commitments which are outstanding. Currently the main focus is on the completion of the devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster to the Assembly.

The Government also continues to engage with the British Government, as well as with the Northern Ireland Executive, on other areas of high priority, particularly in relation to the strengthening of the North/South relationship and efforts to improve community relations in Northern Ireland.