merrion street

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney spoke today on the confidence and supply agreement reached between the Conservative Party and the DUP. 

The Minister said:

"I am in Belfast today to assist in the talks aimed at restoring the devolved institutions.  A functioning Executive and Assembly is in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland.  That is my focus and that of the Irish Government.

“The content of the confidence and supply agreement between the Conservative Party and the DUP is primarily a matter for those two parties.  I note that the agreement provides for DUP support for British government legislation on Brexit.  An enhanced Northern Ireland voice articulating an agreed devolved government position could see more effective and inclusive representation of the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland at Westminster.  

“Inevitably, some of the policy agreement between both parties reflects their long held views.  However, I welcome both parties recommitment to the Good Friday Agreement and its successors, and the commitment by the British Government to govern in the interests of all parts of the community in Northern Ireland."