Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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218. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on his meeting with leaders of parties in Northern Ireland earlier this month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26915/25]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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222. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his visit to Northern Ireland on 19 May 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27444/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 222 together.

I was delighted to meet with Northern Ireland political party leaders in Belfast on 19 May. This was a valuable opportunity for me to hear directly from them on a number of important issues, with a particular focus on legacy. I also met with a number of victims and families groups in Dublin on 14 May to better understand their perspectives, and will be holding further similar meetings in the coming weeks.

I met with First Minister Michelle O'Neill in her capacity as Sinn Féin Vice President; Gavin Robinson, leader of the DUP, who was joined by deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly; Naomi Long, leader of the Alliance Party; and Claire Hanna, leader of the SDLP. While Mike Nesbitt, UUP leader, was not available to meet during my visit, I have since had the chance to speak to him by telephone.

The engagements were open and constructive. On legacy, from the outset, I reiterated the Government's view that the UK Legacy Act, as it stands, is not fit for purpose and outlined our continued engagement with the UK government to try to agree a joint approach on legacy. I was clear that any agreement must be compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and command the confidence of victims and families. I also emphasised the Government's commitment to play our full part in legacy processes and address the legacy of the conflict in this jurisdiction.

Our discussions on legacy also provided me with an opportunity to update party leaders on this government's commitment to support the work of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry and on my recent engagements on the Seán Brown case.

Lastly, I also discussed with party leaders the current political situation in Northern Ireland, including the functioning of the restored Assembly and Executive.

My meetings in Belfast coincided with the EU-UK summit and it was an opportunity to reflect on the benefits for Northern Ireland of an improved EU-UK relationship.