Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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110. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he continues to have direct contact with all parties with interest in Northern Ireland with a view to the restoration of the power sharing government and as a consequence the peace process in Northern Ireland in view of the importance of the issue for both jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48667/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 103 and 110 together.

As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government, working with the British Government, has spared no effort in supporting and facilitating talks on formation of a new Executive, over many months.

However, devolved power-sharing government can only operate on the basis of an agreement reached between the two largest parties. The other parties represented in the Assembly - which have shown considerable patience - also have a critical role to play.

I am disappointed that, after several phases of negotiations in different formats, we still do not have an agreement to form an Executive. The issues under discussion – particularly those on language and culture – go to the heart of the divisions in society in Northern Ireland and agreement on them was always going to be challenging.

I have always believed that it remains possible to reach an honourable compromise which ensures implementation of previous agreements and reflects the core principles of the Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing itself - partnership, equality and mutual respect. It remains my conviction that this is achievable.

I maintain regular engagement on behalf of the Government with civic society across all communities and regions in Northern Ireland. The Taoiseach and other Government Ministers also visits Northern Ireland on a regular basis. There is in addition extensive engagement, North and South, through the Government’s ongoing All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit.

All of the Government’s engagement with civic society in Northern Ireland, confirms our view that there is an urgent need and demand for the effective operation of the power-sharing Executive and Assembly, to deliver representative and accountable devolved Government, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement and as mandated by the public in the last Assembly election.

The introduction of a Budget Bill for Northern Ireland at Westminster this week is a significant development for the political process in Northern Ireland, founded on the Good Friday Agreement. A budget for Northern Ireland is a matter that should be considered and decided on by the power-sharing Executive and Assembly.

As there is no Executive in place at present, the necessary budgetary decisions cannot be made by the devolved institutions. In the meantime, a statutory basis for the continued funding of public services in Northern Ireland is required.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has confirmed that the Budget Bill reflects the advice of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, and has not been subject to political decision-making outside of Northern Ireland.

I would acknowledge that this step has been taken by the British Government with reluctance and at the latest possible stage in order to seek to preserve the role of the devolved institutions to decide on budgetary and other matters within their responsibility when they are operating again.

It is important to clearly affirm that the Good Friday Agreement remains the indispensable framework for relationships within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland and between the UK and Ireland. The Government has confirmed that this week, as has the British Government.

In the event that the devolved institutions cannot function, it is the responsibility of the British and Irish Governments to ensure that the North/South and East-West institutions of the Agreement can continue to operate effectively and in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements.

The Government has consistently affirmed our unwavering commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and determination, as a co-guarantor of the Agreement, to secure the effective operation of all of its institutions. The Taoiseach and I continue to engage with the British Government and the parties in Northern Ireland to give full effect to that commitment.