Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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246. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the negotiations on the Northern Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30900/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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259. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on recent discussions on forming the Northern Ireland Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31253/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 259 together.

I am currently representing the Government at the ongoing talks process in Belfast to support the formation of an Executive. Significant progress has been made in the talks, although a number of key issues remain to be resolved. Notwithstanding the challenge of the remaining issues to be resolved, I believe that an agreement can be reached – an agreement that would allow a power-sharing Executive to be formed on a sustainable basis. All parties are committed to the successful operation of all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and everyone agrees that devolution is the best way to deliver for all of the people of Northern Ireland.

We will spare no effort to fulfil the Government’s duty as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and this includes working to ensure the effective operation of its institutions. We will continue to work to this end with the British Government to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to reach agreement.