81. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will raise with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland the need to progress without delay the proposals in the joint framework on legacy issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58445/26]

I spoke with the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Bryant MP, on Tuesday last week, the day after his appointment.

We discussed our main priorities for co-operation on Northern Ireland in the months ahead, in particular the need to work together on legacy matters.

Our discussion was constructive and the Secretary of State is seized of the need to progress implementation of the commitments in Joint Framework on the Legacy of the Troubles, including by advancing the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill in Westminster. That is the best route to legacy mechanisms that are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights and can secure the confidence of victims and survivors of the Troubles.

I look forward to an early in-person meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss these and other issues, building on the positive co-operation that marked Hilary Benn's tenure as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.