Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I should state at the outset that this matter is one where the Oireachtas has primacy.

The commitment to develop a joint parliamentary forum, which would bring together members from the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly, is contained in both the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements. The Government is committed to the full and effective implementation of these agreements; an aim which I know is shared by all in this House.

In July 2007, at the first meeting of the North South Ministerial Council following restoration of the Institutions, the Council "recognised that any development of a joint parliamentary forum is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Oireachtas".

At that time, provision was also made for officials from the two administrations to make contact with the Oireachtas and Assembly and to report back to the NSMC at the earliest opportunity on the prospects for the development of such a forum.

Since then, the NSMC has received regular updates, including on the establishment of the working groups to which the Deputy refers. At the last NSMC Plenary in December 2009 the Council noted the proposal by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly to hold a North South Parliamentary Conference.

Bearing in mind the primacy of the Oireachtas on this issue, I can advise the House that I am aware that the work of both the Assembly and Oireachtas Working Groups is ongoing. The Oireachtas Working Group is chaired by the Ceann Comhairle and has all-party representation. On the issue of the proposal by the Speaker to hold a North South Parliamentary Conference, I understand that this suggestion has been taken up and that preparations are underway for such a meeting this autumn.

It should be emphasised that, as work continues toward the setting-up of a North South parliamentary forum, contacts between members of the Oireachtas and Assembly also continue in other fora. I am aware, for example, that several Oireachtas Committees have had useful exchanges with their Assembly counterparts. In addition, the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly also provide valuable opportunities for parliamentarians North and South to engage on issues of mutual interest.