Sinn Féin calls for ‘Irish Unity week’ in the Dáil
By Cillian Sherlock, PA
Sinn Féin has called for an “Irish Unity week” in the Republic of Ireland’s parliament which would see MLAs and Northern Ireland MPs contributing to debates.
The proposals form a significant part of Sinn Féin’s suggested parliamentary reforms, after opposition parties were invited to bring forward submissions on changes to Dáil rules and procedures.
MPs are already invited to contribute to formal meetings of the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
However, Sinn Féin said there is no annual debate on its progress on the Dail and has called for leaders of the Stormont Executive to be invited to take part.
The party wants a process where “all ministers on the island” could address joint programmes in the Dáil.
Potential areas of discussion could be reports from the North-South Ministerial Council or cross-border implementation bodies.
In particular, Sinn Féin suggested a week-long dedicated Dáil sitting focused on Northern Ireland could be scheduled annually at the beginning of September.
It said this could include a debate “on the preparation for Irish unity” as well as progress on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and on the Shared Island Initiative.
It suggested that, for the duration of the week, the Dáil could “sit in committee” which would allow Northern Ireland MPs, MLAs, and Executive ministers to make contributions alongside TDs, senators and MEPs within the parliamentary chamber.
Proceedings could include written or oral statements from the First Minister and deputy First Minister.
Written parliamentary questions could be submitted in advance to agencies, departments and all-island bodies.
Sinn Féin said there should also be an annual invite for the First Minister and deputy First Minister to address a Dail plenary meeting upon being elected to their roles.
Elsewhere, Sinn Féin has suggested a query facility for MLAs and Northern Ireland MPs around passports and consular issues for Irish citizens north of the border.
It would also welcome the establishment of a joint sitting of the Dáil na nOg and the Northern Ireland Youth Assembly as well as all-Ireland Parliamentary and Consultative Civic Forums with participation from all the political groupings.
