Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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219. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised with the British Government the possible repeal of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the likely impact of this on the Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11761/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The protection of human rights in Northern Ireland law, incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights, is one of the key principles underpinning the Good Friday Agreement. As co-guarantor of the Agreement, the Government takes very seriously its responsibility to safeguard its institutions and principles. The fundamental role of human rights in guaranteeing peace and stability in Northern Ireland cannot be taken for granted and must be fully respected. The Good Friday Agreement is clear that there is an obligation to incorporate the European Convention on Human Rights into Northern Ireland law and this is an ongoing obligation. I have therefore, together with my Ministerial colleagues, been actively engaged on this issue since the suggestion of a possible repeal by the British Government of the 1998 Human Rights Act arose. In February this year the Minister for Justice and Equality wrote to Secretary of State for Justice, Michael Gove outlining the Government’s concerns. In his response, Secretary of State Gove stated that there is no intention for the UK to withdraw from the ECHR and committed to full consultation on any proposals in advance of the introduction of legislation. The letter also promised greater engagement on the issue with the Irish Government and officials.

I have also raised this issue on several occasions in bilateral meetings with both Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, and Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, while the Tánaiste and Minister of State Murphy have raised the issue with the UK Minister of State for Europe David Lidington. I also discussed the matter with the Northern Ireland Chief Commissioner for Human Rights Les Allemby on my visit to Belfast last week.

The Government will continue monitor the situation closely. In this regard, I note that at the State Opening of the UK Parliament last week reference was made to the British Government bringing forward proposals on this issue which would be subject to full consultation.

We will also continue to work closely with the UK Government and with the Northern Ireland Executive in Belfast to ensure that the protection of human rights remains at the heart of civic life, politics and ongoing societal change in Northern Ireland.