Mr. Chris Hazzard:

I saw the article yesterday and I am engaging with officials on the matter, which I will also raise with the Minister, Deputy Ross. I have no doubt that more needs to be done on the Belfast-Dublin rail link, especially given the type of business and employment that Belfast is now attracting. A considerable amount of grade A office accommodation is being provide and a number of north American companies are locating in Belfast. The link with Dublin will be crucial in that regard. Part of the Northern Ireland programme for Government will be the Belfast transport hub, a £250 million rail infrastructure programme for the city. The ability to speed up and bring more trains from Dublin into Belfast is very important for us. As I say, I will seek to strengthen the partnership between my Department and Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. I hope the Minister here shares my appetite for doing so.