The Good Friday Committee has been left “disappointed” after Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, says he cannot meet with them due to “diary pressures”.
At yesterday’s meeting, the Committee discussed their correspondence with Brokenshire. Despite writing to him twice; in May and in July, he has not met the Committee to discuss Northern Irish issues.
Committee Chair, Kathleen Funchion TD says that they wish to discuss prison issues and “matters of national security in the North” with the Secretary of State, but due to his absence, this has not been possible.
“The Secretary of State has stated that due to diary pressures he is unable to meet.
“The Committee is disappointed with this continued response and again calls on the Secretary of State to meet with us for a frank and open discussion about a range of issues the Committee addresses in its oversight role of the Good Friday Agreement.”
In his role, Brokenshire holds the UK Government responsibility for ensuring the operation of the devolution settlement, national security and promoting Northern Ireland as a great to live, work and do business, as well as seeing that Northern Ireland’s interests are promoted and advanced through the Brexit negotiations, according to the Conservatives website.
He was appointed to this role in July 2016 under UK Prime Minister Theresa May.
The Good Friday Committee plays a pivotal role in informing debate on key areas of mutual interest regarding North/South co-operation, fostering links between the two regions and encouraging dialogue between parliamentarians and people from both sides of the border.
Chaired by Kathleen Funchion TD, the Good Friday Committee is made up of six Deputies and six Senators:
Deputies:
Declan Breathnach (FF)
Fergus O’Dowd (FG)
Tony McLoughlin (FG)
Maureen O’Sullivan (IND)
Sean Sherlock (LAB)
Brendan Smith (FF)
Senators:
Frances Black (IND)
Frank Feighan (FG)
Mark Daly (FF)
Denis Landy (LAB)
Gerard Craughwell (IND)
Niall Ó Donnghaile (SF)
