Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department officials have sought legal advice on the implications of direct rule on the Good Friday Agreement since the talks on Northern Ireland broke down. [8713/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Over the course of many months, the Irish and British Governments, as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, have worked tirelessly to support and facilitate the parties in their efforts to form an Executive. The devolved, power-sharing institutions of the Good Friday Agreement are the best means for achieving accountable, representative decision-making for all the people of Northern Ireland.

Unfortunately, to date, it has not proved possible to reach an agreement on the formation of an Executive, despite intensive engagement. In light of this, the Government has been working with the British Government to consider means by which we can support the political process, in accordance with the Agreement, in the period ahead.

I will be speaking with the Secretary of State again this week and we will meet in early April. I remain in contact also with the political parties in Northern Ireland, in working to ensure that every avenue is pursued and all possibilities are considered in seeking to secure a return to devolved power-sharing government, as provided for under the Agreement.

Both Governments have an obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of the Good Friday Agreement. 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 Agreement. The Agreement is clear that there is no derogation from the sovereignty of either Government.

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. We are continuing to engage with the British Government to give full effect to that commitment.

The advice of my Department’s Legal Division is sought as required on matters relating to Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.