Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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20. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the most recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with members of the Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the need to establish, without further delay, the civic forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10969/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I support the establishment of a Civic Forum which would provide for a broad range of voices on community relations and stimulate informed public debate in relation to key societal challenges. On my regular visits to Northern Ireland, I continue the practice of engaging with civil society representatives.

In my ongoing contacts with the Secretary of State, including on 6 February last, I raise full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, including the establishment of a Civic Forum.

In the context of the North-South Ministerial Council, most recently at our Plenary Meeting on 8 November 2013, the Government expressed support for the re-establishment of the Civic Forum as a valuable and, as yet, unimplemented provision of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Government is of the view that a strong and resilient civic society can play an important role in providing positive and constructive challenge to the political process and in building a more reconciled and prosperous Northern Ireland.