Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
129. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his recent discussions with Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP; the plans for future meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30734/24]
View answerI had a positive first call with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, on 5 July immediately following his appointment, to congratulate him on his appointment and to welcome his Government's commitment to reset the East-West relationship. We agreed to meet in person as soon as possible.
In our conversation I expressed my desire to work with the new Secretary of State with a sense of renewed purpose as partners and guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. A strong and visible joint approach is foundational to securing positive progress on a range of issues related to Northern Ireland. In that context I warmly welcome the new British government's strong statement of its enduring commitment to the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions.
We had a constructive initial conversation on legacy issues and committed to work together on a path forward. I welcomed the British Government’s intention to return to the principles of the Stormont House Agreement. We agreed on the importance that any next steps fully respect the European Convention on Human Rights and the needs of victims and families.
The redevelopment of Casement Park was also among the priority issues discussed. On 20 February, the Government announced an allocation of €50 million from the Shared Island Fund as its contribution towards the redevelopment of Casement Park in time to host EURO2028 matches in Belfast. The Government will work with the Northern Ireland Executive and the British Government towards this objective.
I look forward to working closely with the Secretary of State, bilaterally and through the institutional structures of the Good Friday Agreement, including and in particular the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
