Written answers

Tuesday, 4 April 2017

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Northern Ireland

Photo of John LahartJohn Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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383. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps he will take in the event of the electorate of Northern Ireland voting to join the Republic; if a referendum is required here to allow for such a move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16040/17]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements is a priority for my Department and indeed the Government as a 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 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 event of any such referendum in the future, the Government would proceed according to the requirements of the Constitution and in accordance with the principles and procedures of the Good Friday Agreement. The Deputy will appreciate that the prospect of any such referendum in the future would be a most significant step for the Government and for the country and could only proceed on the basis of extensive preparation and appropriate consultation.

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

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