Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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129. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the most recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the proposed Bill of Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38822/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As I stated recently at the British Irish Association Conference, the Good Friday Agreement recognizes the need to elaborate the principles according to which society could be protected and flourish and a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is fundamental to ensuring these principles are given a legislative base. I believe that it is important that all voices are included in the process to formulate a Bill of Rights, most particularly civil society. I have made my views clear to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and will continue to raise the question of a Bill of Rights in my discussions with the First Minister and deputy First Minister. We all have important roles to play if we are to build a permanent and lasting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. The Irish Government recognizes this and remains fully committed to this process, and to the full implementation of all Agreements which form the foundations of peace and reconciliation.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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130. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the most recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and Members of the Northern Ireland Executive in respect of the Irish language Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38823/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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In ongoing contacts with the British government, most recently at my meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP, on 24 July, I continue to stress the importance of implementation of all aspects of the Agreements. Since the restoration of the devolved Institutions on 8 May 2007, the question of an Irish Language Act for Northern Ireland is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive. Last year the Northern Ireland Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Ms. Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, launched a public consultation process on strategies for the Irish language and Ulster Scots. A summary of the responses to the consultation process was published on 3 July 2013. I am firmly of the view that an Irish Language Act should be introduced in Northern Ireland. All parties to the Good Friday Agreement recognised the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity in Northern Ireland. In the St Andrews Agreement, the British government committed to introducing an Irish Language Act and to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to enhance and protect the development of the Irish Language.

Officials in my Department maintain regular and ongoing contact with the Irish language community in Northern Ireland including those involved in cross-community Irish language activity. I will continue to press in my discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive the urgent need to address this issue and to legislate for an Irish Language Act. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor this matter in their ongoing contacts with the Northern Ireland Office.