Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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89. To ask the Taoiseach if he has spoken to First Minister Arlene Foster recently. [43636/17]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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90. To ask the Taoiseach if he has spoken to deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill recently. [43637/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is keeping me informed on a regular basis on political developments in Northern Ireland and on his contact with the Northern parties and with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

The absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland continues to be a major concern for the Government who have been encouraging and supporting the two main parties to reach agreement.

There is a real need for the people there to have an Executive working in their interests at this critical time, particularly in the context of Brexit which presents many unique challenges for Northern Ireland and the peace process.