Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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75. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has had to have further discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State and members of the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the proposed bill of rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41218/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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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 permanent and lasting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. The 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.