Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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249. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the DUP supporting the Conservative Government in the UK will have implications for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. [28816/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The content of the confidence and supply agreement between the Conservative Party and the DUP is primarily a matter for those two parties. I note that the agreement provides for DUP support for British government legislation on Brexit. An enhanced voice articulating an agreed position on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive could see more effective and inclusive representation of the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland at Westminster.

I welcome both parties’ recommitment to the Good Friday Agreement and its successors, and the particular commitment by the British Government to govern in the interests of all parts of the community in Northern Ireland.

The requirement in the Agreement that 'the power of the sovereign government with jurisdiction .... shall be exercised with rigorous impartiality on behalf of all the people in the diversity of their identities and traditions ' is of particular relevance in the current circumstances.

This is what the Government expects and I have conveyed this message to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach has also raised the matter in his discussions with the Prime Minister.

As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will do its utmost to support the parties in reaching an agreement to establish the Northern Ireland Executive which ensures that the integrity of the Agreement is fully protected, that all of its institutions function effectively and fairly, and that outstanding commitments are implemented.