Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is drifting somewhat from the agenda. The headline is co-operation between these islands. If the witnesses are uncomfortable answering the question, they do not have to do so. Clearly, we are here to discuss co-operation and if they feel the Senator's suggestion is the way forward, it may form part of the discussion. Others may have a different view.

There are other structures in place. The committee has heard from some of the partnerships that are operating North and South. We recently heard from such a partnership based in the north west and made up of councillors from the North and South. All members found much of its work very positive. It is signalling areas of co-operation that need to be followed through on. Do the witnesses consider such groups worthwhile?

Senator Feighan referred to the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. Many members are frustrated that we are not really engaging with many of the communities that we represent in the different jurisdictions. There is a sense that it might be a bit stale and we may have to examine those structures and so on. However, the partnerships, particularly those which are currently operating on a cross-Border basis, are coming up with very positive solutions regarding co-operation and economic development and road structures. Is there something which the two Governments ought to be doing in regard to the structures that are currently operating? Everyone looks at what is not happening but in terms of what is happening on the ground, are the structures worthwhile? Should they be enhanced? Should there be follow-through regarding what supports are needed and so on? Is that the sense of the witnesses in regard to many of those groups which they meet?