Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the negotiations on reconvening the Northern Assembly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11819/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government, working with the British Government, has spared no effort in supporting and facilitating talks on the formation of an Executive over many months.

The devolved, power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are the only way forward for Northern Ireland, and are urgently required.

The Government is currently working with the British Government on ways to take forward the political process in the period ahead. The Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have a shared responsibility to make every effort to follow a course that will get the devolved institutions operating as soon as possible.

The Taoiseach has spoken with Prime Minister May to emphasise the Government’s full commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and its determination to secure the effective operation of all its institutions.

I am in very regular contact with Secretary of State Bradley as we seek a way forward from the current impasse and I also remain in contact with the parties.

As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, the Irish and British Governments have an obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of that Agreement. The Good Friday Agreement remains the indispensable framework for providing stable, inclusive, power-sharing government for all the people of Northern Ireland and for sustaining our interlocking relationships – within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland and between the UK and Ireland.