This week, yet another meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council could not go ahead due to a boycott by certain unionist politicians in Northern Ireland. In light of the Taoiseach's meeting this evening with the new leader of the DUP and, indeed, the new leader of political unionism, what will the Government do to reaffirm the commitments in the programme for Government to North-South relations, reconciliation and the Good Friday Agreement? The institutions of the Good Friday Agreement cannot be allowed to become optional. They are important to everyone on the island. I appeal to the Tánaiste to ensure that every effort is made to make sure that all future meetings go ahead and the spirit of reconciliation and engagement continues.

As the Deputy knows, the Taoiseach will meet the new leader of the DUP this evening. We hope that a meeting of the British-Irish Council will go ahead as planned on Friday. We all look forward to the election of a new First Minister. I look forward to engaging with the new First Minister and the deputy First Minister once they are appointed.

I agree with the Deputy's remarks. The Good Friday Agreement is not something that one can opt in or out of. It was agreed not just by the political parties, but by the sovereign governments and was voted for in referendums - 97% in this jurisdiction and more than 70% in Northern Ireland. Any democrat on this island who is elected to office has an obligation and responsibility to take part in those institutions and ensure that they work.