Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is about ensuring that a funding source is in place. It has also been agreed that the programmes and projects will continue to be subject to EU regulations.

Reference was made to Horizon 2020 and Science Foundation Ireland. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, is responsible for this area, in particular for Horizon 2020 funding. This is another area of cross-border EU funding that we are keen to see continue. Anyway, it will be subject to negotiation and agreement.

A point was made about the amendment on the Good Friday Agreement. It is my understanding that all amendments to the Bill were defeated in the House of Commons. However, the Government and, no doubt, the Oireachtas will be absolutely vigilant in respect of the maintenance of the Good Friday Agreement and any associated commitments. This leads me directly to the point Senator Craughwell made about the Good Friday Agreement. I thank the Senator for recognising the work that has taken place up to this point. Substantial work has been undertaken to copperfasten the understanding of the significance of the Good Friday Agreement, its status in international law and as an international treaty.

Reference was made to the broad communication of principals from the Government regarding where we are now in the aftermath of recent developments in the House of Commons and in the immediate run-up to the triggering of Article 50. That will happen imminently. That will be laid out on the part of the Government by the Taoiseach.

Senator Craughwell expressed concern about sailing too close to the UK. I can be explicit in my comments by saying that I see Ireland's long-term economic, political and social development in the context of continuing as a strong member of the European Union. Any discussion that we have had within the European Union has been anchored firmly in that view. Of course, some may well make the charge that we are too close to the UK. It is our largest neighbour and a country in respect of which we have seen our relationship transformed. However, the UK is leaving and we are staying. In the coming years, we will work through specific areas to ensure that our needs are recognised and met. As I said, it will be subject to years of negotiation.

Reference was made to the Supreme Court ruling and the instruments of the Good Friday Agreement. I see no need for any further legal instruments relating to the Good Friday Agreement. It has been negotiated and ratified. It is recognised by both Governments and via an international treaty. There are no prospects for or basis on which I envisage the arrangement being reopened in any way. We will ensure that the interests of the Agreement are protected in the coming years.

Senator Craughwell referred to the role of the European Investment Bank, EIB. He is correct. We believe there could be an additional opportunity in this regard. The Department of Finance and my Department are working with the EIB on this matter.