All parties and groups involved in the continuing search for peace in Northern Ireland must redouble their efforts to overcome the political impasse, Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has said.

Mr Flanagan is due to address the Reconciliation Forum in Dublin Castle today.

It brings together 120 groups working to further peace on the island of Ireland.

The discussion will centre on the best way of addressing legacy issues from the Troubles including continuing problems with segregation and sectarianism.

“I know from speaking to community groups that sectarianism and division continue to blight communities across the North and that the past 18 months have been particularly difficult,” Mr Flanagan said:

“In many instances, communities are discouraged by the slow pace of progress at a political level.

“If we are to continue to make progress and to resolve the political impasses to reconciliation, we need to encourage public conversations about how best to manage the legacy of the Troubles,” he said.