Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

108. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views that the Northern Ireland Executive is working effectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35592/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Over the recent period, the Northern Ireland Executive has been faced with a number of challenges on which it has been difficult to find agreement. These include longstanding issues such as parades, flags and dealing with the past. It also includes more recent difficulties in relation to budgetary issues. The Executive parties need to reach agreement on such issues to ensure the effective functioning of the Northern Ireland Executive into the future.

I am confident that the North’s political representatives will show the leadership needed to deliver comprehensive, fair and balanced solutions to the issues before them. This will require compromise and committed engagement to the talks process. The goal is to ensure that the North’s political institutions not only function, but flourish, to the benefit of all, as envisaged by the Good Friday Agreement. I am of the view that all party talks involving the Governments are required at this time to overcome the current political impasse within the Northern Ireland Executive. I support fully functioning partnership Government in Northern Ireland and, in the period ahead, will continue to work with the North’s political parties and colleagues in the British Government, with the active support of our partners in the U.S.