Rwanda Bill and Good Friday Agreement
Deputy Ó Ríordáin asked about a British Labour letter on the Safety of Rwanda Bill and its implications for the Good Friday Agreement and the European Court of Human Rights. The Tánaiste said officials would examine it, he would respond, and he would revert with a considered reply.
I join the Tánaiste in wishing Mr. Charlie O'Leary, a constituent of mine, a happy 100th birthday.
I understand that the Tánaiste received correspondence from the British Labour Party at the beginning of September with regard to the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill that is going through the British Houses of Parliament and its implications for the Good Friday Agreement, particularly with regard to the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights. Is the Tánaiste minded to respond to that letter? Does he have an opinion on the matter? Will he be raising it with the British Government?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising the question. I have asked my officials to examine the issue. Yes, I am minded to respond to the Member of Parliament in respect of the correspondence I received. The Deputy will recall that the Government has already taken an inter-state case against the British Government in respect of the legacy legislation, which has created its own challenges. We are always mindful of relationships between the two Governments and the need to keep them on an even keel, notwithstanding differences we may have. I will revert to the Deputy in terms of our considered response to the issues he raised.