Statement by Tánaiste Simon Harris following calls with the First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland

I am delighted to have had the opportunity to speak with the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O’Neill, and the deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly.

We discussed the impact of the Storm Éowyn, which is a reminder of the common challenges we face on this island, including immediate impact of the storm on citizens and longer term around the provision of public services.

This is a time to intensify our work together to address the shared challenges on this island. The renewed commitment of our Government to the Shared Island initiative is a key part of this.

During the calls I emphasised that the North South Ministerial Council meetings in the coming months, which give new Government Ministers in Ireland an early opportunity to meet their Northern counterparts, will be a chance to agree ambitious and concrete deliverables that can make a positive practical difference to the day to day lives of everyone on this island.

I have really enjoyed working with the First and deputy First Ministers as Taoiseach, and I look forward to doing so again in my new role. I plan to meet them in Belfast very shortly.