UK government's plans to preserve the Good Friday Agreement in a future UK treaty

​Question No. 356
Parliamentary Question - Oireachtas

To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the UK government's plans to preserve the Good Friday Agreement in a future UK treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 
- Darragh O'Brien.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 31st January, 2017.
Ref No: 4049/17
REPLY

The Government’s priority is to ensure that the Good Friday Agreement and the overall balance of the settlement is not in any way disturbed by the UK’s exit from the European Union.

The legal and political obligations of both the Irish and British Governments under the Good Friday Agreement remain unchanged, regardless of the status of the UK within the EU.

The Taoiseach and Prime Minister May have confirmed that the Agreement remains the basis for the two Governments’ approach to Northern Ireland.

I have met with all of my EU Foreign Minister counterparts. I believe there is a good understanding of the unique situation of Northern Ireland and of the importance and necessity of the European Union continuing its historic supporting role for the peace process there. 

As a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government is determined that all aspects of the Agreement – including its provisions relating to the constitutional status of Northern Ireland - are fully protected and reflected in the new relationship between the EU and the UK.