Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I had phone calls with the leaders of the main parties in Northern Ireland last week and I also met with Michelle O’Neill earlier this week. I will travel to Belfast on Friday for further meetings with party leaders.

In the calls, I emphasised the importance of early formation of the Northern Ireland Executive and a functioning Assembly. The people of Northern Ireland want their elected representatives to address the pressing issues facing them including the cost of living and healthcare waiting lists.

The onus now is on the leaders of the political parties to work together in the time ahead to agree a basis for forming a new Executive to serve the interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.

As co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will continue to work with the political parties in Northern Ireland and with the British Government to support the formation of the Executive and the operation of all the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.