Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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153. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the possible assembly elections following the resignation of the deputy First Minister of Northern Island; his views on whether they can be deferred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2041/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I regret the circumstances which have led to the decision of the deputy First Minister to resign his office. I also acknowledge the deputy First Minister’s contribution and leadership over the last decade within the power-sharing institutions.

It was clear, immediately following the resignation of the deputy First Minister, that the prospect of a resolution ahead of the triggering of an Assembly election were slim. However both Governments, in their capacity as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, made full use of the narrow window available to encourage that any avenues for resolution between the parties prior to an election be fully explored.

In the event, an Assembly election has been triggered and will be held on Thursday 2 March. It is important to emphasise that this eventuality is one covered by the legislation governing the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland. When parties in an administration cannot agree, an election is the consequence and the outcome of that is now for the electorate in Northern Ireland to determine. There is no legislative provision for deferral and I do not believe that such as step would have been helpful in the current circumstances.

In my discussions with each of the party leaders in Northern Ireland, I have emphasised the importance of all parties acting responsibly in word and deed during this election campaign, to prevent any long-term damage to the political institutions of the Agreement.

After the election, it will fall to the parties to form a power-sharing Executive and this will of course require a resolution to the issues which brought about the current situation. As these political difficulties are worked through in Northern Ireland, it is of the utmost importance that all parties bear in mind the principles of mutual respect, partnership and equality, which underpin the Good Friday Agreement, through which so much has been achieved.

As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will continue to work with the British Government and the political parties to support political stability, reconciliation and economic prosperity in Northern Ireland.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has completed, or plans to carry out, a study or an assessment on the constitutional, legal, financial or other implications in preparation for a possible referendum on Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2042/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and succeeding agreements is a priority for my Department and indeed the Government as whole. In this context we are of course also guided by the aspiration contained in Article 3 of the Constitution as amended by the people in 1998.

The principle of consent and the possibility of a change in constitutional status in Northern Ireland is a fundamental part of the Good Friday Agreement, which was endorsed by the people of this island North and South. The trigger for a referendum in this jurisdiction is, of course, connected with the calling of a border poll under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, in Northern Ireland. This occurs when the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland considers it likely that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland.

At present, the Government does not believe it likely that such a border poll in Northern Ireland in the near future would result in constitutional change; that is also the view of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. In those circumstances, such a poll now might only increase uncertainty and division at an already difficult and sensitive time.

In the absence of any prospect of a referendum in the near future, my Department does not have any active plans to carry out the type of study specifically referred to by the Deputy. However, my Department continues to actively monitor the relevant polls, attitude surveys and academic literature that relate to evolving sentiment on the issue of constitutional change.

There are of course aspects of this constitutional issue which relate to my Department’s ongoing work. In the context of Brexit, for example, the Government has made clear its determination to ensure that all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement, including those relating to a possible change in constitutional status for Northern Ireland, are upheld regardless of the UK’s status within the EU.