Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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429. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he and his departmental officials are preparing legislative scenarios required for working towards a united Ireland in the context of the Good Friday Agreement. [16717/17]

Charles 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. In these circumstances such a poll 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 is not preparing specific legislative scenarios for a united Ireland. My immediate priority is to secure the future of the devolved power-sharing institutions, which are at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement. I am currently engaged in discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland political parties to support the formation of a new Executive, as well as to address outstanding issues and commitments from previous Agreements. The formation of a new Executive is all the more pressing and urgent now, so that Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances and concerns can be effectively represented in the challenging context of Brexit, as the EU-UK negotiations get underway.

As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will continue its work to protect the peace process and ensure that all provisions of the Good Friday Agreement are respected in the forthcoming EU-UK negotiations. As a co-guarantor of the Agreement, the Government is also determined to uphold its principles and protect its institutions. To this end I will continue my engagement in the ongoing discussions with the British Government and the political parties in Northern Ireland, to see the see devolved institutions restored and working effectively in the interests of all of the people of Northern Ireland.

In the event of a future referendum within the consent provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government would make all necessary preparations in accordance with the terms of the Constitution and the principles and procedures of the 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 the necessary scoping work 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.