Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
5. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will report on her most recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Secretary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50757/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDemonstrating the strong relationship between Ireland and the UK, I am in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and have had a number of discussions with him in recent weeks.
On 9 June, I spoke with the Secretary of State following the disorder and anti-immigration violence following the horrific knife attack in Belfast on the 8 June. I took the opportunity to condemn the violence on behalf of the Irish government.
On 18 June, I wrote to Secretary of State Benn to provide him with an update as to our progress on legacy in this jurisdiction, including the publication of the General Scheme of the legislation implementing our key commitments under the Joint Framework (known as the Legacy of the Troubles Bill 2026), as well as the signing in to law on 3 June of the International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Act 2026. In that letter, I expressed my disappointment that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill did not move to Committee Stage in the previous parliamentary term, while welcoming his clear commitment to making early progress in the current parliamentary term.
Following this, on 22 June, I travelled to London where I met the Secretary of State Benn to discuss a range of issues, including the disorder and violence in Belfast on 9 June, legacy matters, our ongoing engagement and close cooperation in relation to the management of the Common Travel Area and political developments in Northern Ireland, including the budgetary situation.
I look forward to continued engagement with the Secretary of State in the coming weeks, in particular around implementation, in both jurisdictions, of our commitments under the Joint Framework, and ensuring that we put in place, as soon as possible, a legacy architecture that is compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and can secure the confidence of victims and survivors of the Troubles.
