Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As regards the Dublin-Monaghan bombings, which we discussed prior to Deputy Conlan's arrival, I reiterate that I will continue to raise this issue. It is one about which I believe we need to be supplied with appropriate information and documentation. I raised the matter recently but will continue to do so. I agree with what the Deputy has said.

The issue of smuggling was aired by Deputy Smith and others. I assure Deputy Conlan that this matter is being examined across a range of approaches, including Revenue, Customs and Excise, the police and, more recently, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. That issue will be on the agenda of the forthcoming North-South Ministerial Council.

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, has recently been in contact with his Northern Ireland counterpart, Mark Durkan, with a view to ensuring a greater level of co-operation on environmental matters. I share Deputy Conlan's concern in that regard. This is not just a Border issue. I was somewhat surprised recently to be advised by members of the Garda Síochána in my own constituency about fuel outlets that I might not be minded to support in terms of purchasing fuel. This is a nationwide issue that needs to be tackled comprehensively. The committee can take it that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and her Northern Ireland counterpart, David Ford, are very much on the one page in dealing with this matter through a close degree of co-operation among all agencies involved.

As he has done before, Deputy Conlan mentioned a most important issue which is the infrastructural deficit consequent on the period of instability during the Troubles over the years. He is right to say that there needs to be a focus on how best we can ensure North-South co-operation in such a way as to maximise economic benefits in the Border areas. Obviously it involves funding and I reiterate that over the next five years the EU has committed €500 million to Northern Ireland and the Border areas. Much of that will go towards improving infrastructure and redressing the infrastructural deficit.

The International Fund for Ireland will also be involved in this regard. At the North-South Ministerial Council, reference is continually being made to plans for infrastructural improvements and other benefits. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Donohoe, attended a meeting of this committee recently to discuss roads. If this committee, including Deputy Conlan and Deputy Smith as representatives of the Cavan-Monaghan constituency, wishes to make any submission, I am sure the appropriate authorities would be open to engaging in any county or regional roads programme of the type that has been mentioned. We must highlight the strategic cross-Border transport priorities.

The Chairman will understand that I am not going to become involved in the pylon issue, but this committee may wish to invite the Minister, Deputy Alex White, to attend. I know that Deputy Conlan will avail of other parliamentary mechanisms to raise the matter, including Topical Issues and parliamentary questions. I do not wish to comment on the matters of overgrounding or undergrounding. I have similar issues in my constituency. I would say, however, that this is an important project for ensuring economic benefits for that region. As Deputy Conlan, Deputy Smith and others know, this region requires investment and improvement. One of the first questions any potential investor will pose concerns power and power security, which are matters of some importance. However, it would be unfair of anyone to draw me into the pylon issue with regard to undergrounding or overgrounding.

As regards the economic benefits of North-South co-operation, I wish to mention the input and work undertaken by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock. He is the first Minister with specific and direct responsibility for North-South trade and economic development. He does a fine job. I urge committee members to keep in contact with him concerning strategic priorities and opportunities. He spends a great deal of time working on cross-Border issues and I would like to acknowledge his great work in this regard.

International support for the peace process must always be acknowledged. In this instance, in the context of implementing the Stormont House Agreement, I acknowledge the ongoing support, influence, assistance and guidance of the United States authorities. In particular, I note the contribution of US Senator Gary Hart.

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to speak to Vice President Joe Biden in Boston and he sends his good wishes and support. Members of this committee can be assured of the support of the United States Administration and that of other international actors. Earlier this year I had the opportunity of meeting with my Canadian counterpart and we had a good exchange on Northern Ireland matters. He and his colleagues in Canada maintain a deep interest in the affairs of Ireland and Northern Ireland and wish to see the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement with a consequent dividend in terms of economic and social benefit and peace and stability and all that goes with it.