It is essential that there is progress in the coming days on devolution of policing and justice in Northern Ireland, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin will meet Secretary of State Shaun Woodward in Dublin tomorrow to review the situation, the Taoiseach said.
Mr Cowen said he had spoken to British prime minister Gordon Brown in recent days and that they would “remain in close contact”.
“We issued a joint statement before Christmas in which we made clear that we need an early resolution to the issue of devolution of policing and justice. That position hasn’t changed,” Mr Cowen said in a statement following Peter Robinson's decision today to temporarily step aside as First Minister.
“Of course, I respect the right of the parties and the elected representatives in the Northern Ireland institutions to deal with the matters that have arisen in recent days and to make their own decisions.
“But I also fully recognise the duty of everyone, including the two Governments, to protect the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and to ensure that they continue to develop and to serve the community,” Mr Cowen said.
“I believe it is now essential that there is swift progress, in the coming days, on the devolution of policing and justice. That is in the interests of all of the parties and all of the people they represent. ”
Mr Cowen said he wanted to pass on his best wishes to Peter Robinson and his family “as they deal with very difficult personal issues at this time”.
“I welcome his decision to continue to work on the crucial issue of devolution of policing and justice and his commitment to a successful resolution.
“I also offer best wishes to Arlene Foster in her new role.”
The Taoiseach also extended his best wishes to PSNI constable Peadar Heffron, who was the victim of a “dreadful criminal attack” in a car bomb planted by dissidents last week.
“Constable Heffron is an Irishman, a lover of our language and of our national games, who has been working to help bring about a better future for his country.
“The contrast with the evil people who tried to kill him could not be greater,” Mr Cowen said.
“Amidst all of these serious developments, the political leaders of Northern Ireland now need to focus on the stability of the democratic institutions and on continuing to move forward to a better future for the entire community.
“Northern Ireland, like all other parts of these islands, faces serious economic and social challenges. These are the issues that matter to ordinary people and that need to be tackled by stable, democratic institutions.”