Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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39. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she proposes to meet at an early date with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland and with the political parties in Stormont; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66605/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Government maintains close and regular contact with our counterparts in the UK Government and in Stormont on a wide range of issues.

I had an introductory call with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, on 19 November. I hope to meet him in person very soon for a more in-depth exchange, in particular to ensure that we continue to progress the implementation of the Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles, published by the two governments in September, and to consider a range of wider issues.

I also intend to visit Belfast in the coming weeks, with a view to meeting First Minister O’Neill, deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly, and the leaders of the main parties in Northern Ireland.