Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with his UK counterparts the prospect of the holding of a referendum in Northern Ireland regarding the future position of Northern Ireland within the UK or a United Ireland, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement; if he supports the holding of such a referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44643/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Good Friday Agreement recognises that it is for the people of the island of Ireland to bring about a united Ireland, or to maintain Northern Ireland’s status within the United Kingdom, subject to the agreement and consent of a majority of the people of Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement also recognises the legitimacy of whatever choice is freely exercised by a majority of the people of Northern Ireland with regard to its status, whether they prefer to continue to support the Union with Great Britain or a sovereign united Ireland.

The Agreement further recognises that it is for the people of this island alone to exercise their right of self determination on the basis of consent, freely and concurrently given, North and South, to bring about a united Ireland.

The Agreement also commits the Secretary of State to direct the holding of a poll if it appears likely that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the UK and form part of a united Ireland.

These conditions do not exist at present and I have not raised the matter with my UK counterparts.

In accordance with the Constitution, the Government is firmly committed to uniting in harmony and friendship all the people who share this island in all their identities and traditions.

This is best achieved through full implementation of the Agreements and through measures to address sectarianism and division in Northern Ireland and to advance reconciliation on the island.

The first meeting of the North South Inter Parliamentary Association on Friday 12 October was another important step in this regard, for which the Ceann Comhairle and the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. William Hay MLA, both deserve great credit.

The Government also attaches particular importance to ensuring the closest economic co-operation in support of jobs and recovery. These priorities will continue to guide our efforts for the foreseeable future.