Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

What progress has been made in equalising the corporation tax rate? Some 68% of the economy in Northern Ireland is driven by public administration. With a limited number of exporting companies, it needs serious attention if it is to grow in comparison to the growth rates in the Republic during the past ten years. The Taoiseach realises that one cannot have an imbalance between the Twenty-six Counties and the Six Counties during the next decade. Are there discussions on the matter or is Chancellor Brown making progress? It is difficult, as others may want investment in different parts of the British Isles.

Will the Taoiseach update the House on the provision of the North-South interconnector? For a long time, the interconnector has been needed to apply downward pressure on electricity prices. It would not be physically difficult to provide the infrastructure.

I agree with the Taoiseach on the dual carriageway from Derry to Donegal, as it is a necessary and major piece of infrastructure. The N11 or N16 road from Enniskillen to Sligo, which the Taoiseach visited recently, is bad and has seen a number of serious accidents. Does that cross-Border infrastructure not deserve attention? Despite the North-South business, that major artery is clogged and the NRA does not give it the priority it deserves.

In the next decade, does the Taoiseach foresee a convergence of the economic development of the island of Ireland? In due course, there may be political convergence, but ours is a small island on the edge of Europe, which is facing challenges from the United States and the Far East.

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