25 October 2007 Edition
Joint Committee on the Implementation of Good Friday Agreement welcomed
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed the establishment this week of a Joint Dáil Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and has noted the party’s intention to build on this initial step towards 32 county representation in the Oireachtas.
Ó Caoláin said the establishment of the Joint Committee represents a step forward and that the participation of MPs from the Six Counties will give the Committee an essential All-Ireland character.
“There is a great deal of very valuable work for the new Committee to do and it should help to spur on the Irish Government and the Executive in the Six Counties to fulfil the potential of the Good Friday Agreement.
“Since the Good Friday Agreement nearly a decade ago Sinn Féin has argued strongly for a much greater level of engagement on the Agreement by the Oireachtas”, said Ó Caoláin.
“We have called for representation in the Dáil for citizens in the Six Counties. We maintain this call and we do not see the new Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement as a substitute for Six-County representation in the Dáil.
“The Joint Committee will be judged on how it helps to deliver real improvements in people’s lives, especially for those communities worst effected by the border and the legacy of conflict. We in Sinn Féin will play our part in helping to ensure its success”, he said.
Ó Caoláin said the establishment of the Joint Committee represents a step forward and that the participation of MPs from the Six Counties will give the Committee an essential All-Ireland character.
“There is a great deal of very valuable work for the new Committee to do and it should help to spur on the Irish Government and the Executive in the Six Counties to fulfil the potential of the Good Friday Agreement.
“Since the Good Friday Agreement nearly a decade ago Sinn Féin has argued strongly for a much greater level of engagement on the Agreement by the Oireachtas”, said Ó Caoláin.
“We have called for representation in the Dáil for citizens in the Six Counties. We maintain this call and we do not see the new Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement as a substitute for Six-County representation in the Dáil.
“The Joint Committee will be judged on how it helps to deliver real improvements in people’s lives, especially for those communities worst effected by the border and the legacy of conflict. We in Sinn Féin will play our part in helping to ensure its success”, he said.
