Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

372. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont on the urgent need to have the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34506/17]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

373. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to have further engagement with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont during July 2017 on the urgent need to have the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34507/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 372 and 373 together.

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 than 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 the people of Northern Ireland.

The Governments can support and encourage but, in the final analysis, it is only the parties themselves that can make an agreement with each other. All sides may now wish to reflect on how progress can best be made. I have encouraged all parties to maintain dialogue with each other over the coming weeks.

I will remain in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland party leaders, in the weeks ahead. The Government will spare no effort in fulfilling its solemn duty as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and this includes working to ensure the effective operation of all 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 on formation of a new Executive. The Government wishes to see this achieved as soon as possible.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

374. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to meet with representatives of civic society organisations in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34508/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and on behalf of the Government as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, I will maintain regular engagement with a broad range of civic society organisations, groups, and representatives, across all communities and parts of Northern Ireland. I look forward to deepening this engagement in the weeks and months ahead. My focus will be to hear perspectives and experience from across civic and civil society - both North and South - on how the Government can continue to support and achieve the full and effective implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, including to address the difficult legacy of the past, through the establishment of the architecture provided for under the Stormont House Agreement.

My Department will also continue to support the vital work of civil society on furthering peace and reconciliation through the Reconciliation Fund. The Reconciliation Fund has been running since 1982, and was increased significantly in 1998, following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. As part of the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, the Government committed to guaranteeing the continued allocation of €2.7 million annually to the Reconciliation Fund. In the first round of 2017 funding, grants amounting to nearly €1 million were allocated in support of 55 organisations. The closing date for the second round of 2017 funding will be Tuesday 19 September and more details are available on the Department’s website.

I look forward also to continuing, together with the Taoiseach, the Government’s All Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit in the period ahead, with stakeholders North and South. The All Island Civic Dialogue provides a vital platform, ensuring that civil society voices - North and South - are heard and taken account of as a central input to the Government’s engagement as we participate in the EU-UK negotiations and deal with the all-island implications of Brexit.