Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Given the logic of an island economy, it is an important horizontal theme cutting across the entire plan whereby one avoids duplication, applying a strategic framework that makes sense and is of mutual benefit to the two jurisdictions. That is eminently sensible and complies with the letter and spirit of the Agreement. It is true that there is an institutional requirement for everyone to ensure that the potential for North-South co-operation in all its aspects is not only promoted and spoken about but actively implemented. I have already mentioned that with regard to infrastructure, where development is envisaged on both sides of the Border and required for the competitive economy of the 21st century that we are trying to build. The same is true of energy provision, education and training, new technology and research and development.

Under the Good Friday Agreement, implementation bodies for trade and other areas have had some success. A great deal of work has gone into them, and we must continue promoting that culture of co-operation, which is to everyone's benefit and should therefore encounter no objections from anyone.

We also know that as soon as we can get a devolved administration up and running again under the terms of the Agreement, we will have local, democratically accountable Ministers in the Executive who could promote and be active in this area in a manner specific to the situation's requirements. The assurance that I can give the House is that this makes a great deal of economic sense. It informs our discussions on the North-South Ministerial Council pending the return of devolution.

From our perspective, it is a very important strand of the Agreement that must be actively promoted and implemented. I hope that in coming months we will see momentum entering the political process reflected in an economic agenda that ensures the success that we can achieve. I assure the Deputy as co-ordinator of the NDP that it is an area of activity in which I have a personal interest.

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