Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
277. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of her recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the political parties in Stormont; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5399/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI had an introductory call with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, on 19 November, where we discussed legacy issues but also more broadly on ensuring that we can continue to strengthen and evolve relationships North, South, east and west. Further to this initial call, I met with the Secretary of State at the British-Irish Council (BIC) in Wales on 5 December. This was a useful opportunity to discuss in further detail the implementation of the Joint Framework on the legacy of the Troubles, including legislation in both jurisdictions.
I hope to meet with the Secretary of State again in the coming weeks.
In recent weeks I have also had a number of engagements with political parties in Northern Ireland. This was a valuable opportunity for me to hear directly from them on a number of important issues, again with a particular focus on legacy.
On 5 December, at the BIC, I met with the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and on 7 January in Belfast, I met separately with Alliance Party deputy leader, Eoin Tennyson, then UUP leader and Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt, SDLP leader of the opposition at Stormont, Matthew O’Toole, and the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots.
These positive and constructive meetings were an important opportunity to discuss their priorities for the year ahead, the shared challenges we face across this island, and to outline key priorities for this Government.
I emphasised the strong commitment across the Government to constructive North-South cooperation, and the positive place this work is in. In particular, I noted the centrality of the North-South Ministerial Council to this work. I also discussed the current political situation in Northern Ireland, including the functioning of the restored Assembly and Executive.
On legacy, I reiterated that the Government is fully committed to implementing our commitments under the Joint Framework and provided an update on the progress that has been made to date. Timely and faithful implementation is what is needed now in order to put in place mechanisms that can provide truth, accountability, and, where possible, justice for victims and survivors.
Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Shared Island Initiative, and the essential work of promoting reconciliation on the island were also discussed.
