Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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79. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which efforts continue to be made to restore the power-sharing Assembly in Northern Ireland, notwithstanding the issues such as Brexit that have impeded progress in that area; if the attention of the UK authorities has been drawn to the dangers of allowing the internationally accepted agreement arising from the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent discussions to drift and the need to ensure that adequate cognisance is taken of the importance of continued dialogue and commitment to the peace agreements throughout Ireland and the UK and continued recognition of the importance of an international agreement signed and accepted by all parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14199/18]

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.

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

As co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, both Governments have an obligation to uphold and protect the letter and spirit of that Agreement.

In the context of the UK withdrawal from the EU, the Government is determined to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts is fully protected. The Government appreciates the solidarity and support which has been shown by all of our EU partners in respect of Ireland’s unique issues and concerns, including the protection of the Good Friday Agreement. These concerns are being progressed by the EU through the Article 50 negotiations with the UK.

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.

The Government will continue to engage to ensure the protection and support the operation of the Agreement in all its parts.