Anglo-Irish Agreement review scope
The questions ask about the review’s progress, scope and whether its areas will be brought before the Dáil. The Minister says the review covers the operation of Articles 2–10 of the Agreement.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing review of the Anglo-Irish Agreement; whether any proposals for consultations with the Unionists have been agreed; and when the Government proposes to consult with Opposition leaders in Dáil Éireann on the review.
49.
Comment on this
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the areas for review of the workings of the Anglo-Irish Conference are agreed; if they will be brought before Dáil Éireann and when this will happen.
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 49 together.
Article 11 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement makes clear that the subject matter for the review is the "working of the conference". As I indicated in my detailed statement in Dáil Éireann on 16 November, the working of the Conference is dealt with in Articles 2-10 inclusive of the Agreement. The operation of these articles, individually and collectively, is therefore included in the scope of the review.
The approach by the two Governments to the conduct of the review is set out in the communiqué issued after the meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference on 2 November. Work is now proceeding in accordance with the approach outlined in the communiqué.
As regards the involvement of Unionists, the communiqué of 2 November stated that "each government would take careful account of views expressed to it, both on the past experience of the conference and on any changes which might be desirable in its scope and nature". It is of course open to Unionist leaders, and the Unionist community, to avail of this invitation to submit views, which has been reiterated on several occasions in recent months.
There has already been an opportunity to hear in considerable detail the views of party leaders and other members of Dáil Éireann during the full day discussion on the review on 16 November. The subject is, of course, also dealt with during Question Time, as on 9 November and again today. However, the Taoiseach would be prepared and delighted to have discussions with party leaders on the matter in the New Year.