Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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117. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the status of the Good Friday Agreement and on the next north south Ministerial Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52888/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government, working with the British Government, is continuing to work intensively to support the effective operation of all of its institutions and to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts is fully protected and respected in the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

The Government has spared no effort in supporting and facilitating talks on the 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. However, I have always believed that it remains possible to reach an agreed outcome 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.

With the continuing absence of a functioning Executive, the North South Ministerial Council cannot operate and bring together the Government and the Executive to oversee ongoing North/South work and further develop cooperation, as provided for under the Agreement. This is a most serious absence, and particularly so at a time when the Council should be continuing the work it commenced last year to deal with the challenges of Brexit. Common Principles were agreed at the Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in November 2016, to coordinate engagement by the Government and the Executive to deal with the challenges that are raised on an all-island basis by the UK exit from the European Union. We should be working together on this through the North South Ministerial Council.

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.