James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have many in mind. I will not say what the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, stated last week.

I acknowledge the significant contribution the Taoiseach has made to non-governmental organisations. A group from my constituency of Longford-Westmeath met the Taoiseach and he brought them into Government Buildings. They were very appreciative of the interest he showed in what they do in central Belfast. This type of co-operation is very important and it should be funded. Will the Minister elaborate on whether funding will be available for non-governmental organisations to build relationships with their counterparts in Northern Ireland? These include library boards and historical societies. It would be important to work in this area. We also need to develop tourism, roads and planning on an all-Ireland basis. It happens in some cases but we need to accelerate the process. Priority must be given to it because much damage was done to communities and parishes in the Border area. It is important we build infrastructure, particularly where it is light years behind. I hope funding will be provided for this. We should not make these communities suffer more than they did during the Troubles.