Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In regard to the development of east-west relations, these things normally take on a life of their own. Once bodies have been established, it is a case of the co-chairpersons or chairmen of the individual bodies making their own arrangements as to how often they will meet and working with both Governments on the issues to be discussed. As the Deputy will be aware from his experience, some of the issues discussed at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly do not find their way onto the agenda of this House. As a former member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Association, I am aware that it takes some time to develop new concepts. East-west negotiation and discussion builds a sense of understanding, trust and recognition and allows Members such as Deputy O'Donovan to have direct contact with Members of the House of Commons.

I can confirm that a proposal for a return visit to Britain by President Higgins following the historic and successful visit of Queen Elizabeth to Ireland is under active consideration.

A date has not yet been agreed. I suppose it is a matter of arranging the schedules of the President and the Queen and deciding upon the other engagements with which the President might be able to be associated or with which he might involve himself. I expect the visit will take place in 2014. It is a case of Buckingham Palace and Áras an Uachtaráin making appropriate arrangements. I am quite sure the President will be quite happy to accommodate whatever schedule is most appropriate in order to undertake that reciprocal visit.

I saw the report relating to confidence levels among people in Northern Ireland in the PSNI. We are strongly supportive of the great co-operation between the Garda and the PSNI. Such co-operation is extremely important in the context of dealing with terrorist and dissident activities, smuggling and other criminal activities on a cross-Border basis and on an information-sharing basis in the context of persons who might have evil intent in their minds. From that point of view, we support the work of the PSNI and we strongly support the work of the Garda. I am glad this is reflected in levels of confidence expressed by the people of Northern Ireland. It is important that everyone should understand the impartiality involved and the need to have trust and faith in the police forces, North and South.

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