Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I want to ask the Taoiseach a different question. In his discussions with the First Minister of Northern Ireland, did he deal with the question of cross-Border trade activities? Does the Taoiseach accept, for instance, the admission of the Minister for Finance that his decision to increase VAT by 0.5% was a mistake, which has had serious implications for retail business 30 miles south of the Border? In that context, did the Taoiseach discuss with the First Minister of Northern Ireland the situation as regards planning in this jurisdiction where, as he is aware, there is a cap on retail size, while north of the Border there is not? For instance, in Newry a planning application has been lodged for a 1.5 million sq. ft. facility which will have serious consequences for retailing in Dundalk, Armagh, Monaghan, Enniskillen and Sligo. Was that an issue discussed by the Taoiseach with the First Minister, in respect of trade on both sides of the Border?

In view of both the strength and fragility of the tourism industry, does the Taoiseach consider it appropriate that the tourism bodies, North and South, which co-operate very well, should again adopt, for example, ambassadors for golf, Pádraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy in an all-Ireland sense? This would have enormous implications for golf tourism throughout the island, with particular reference to links golf from Royal County Down right around to the southern coast. There is serious potential there in a cross-Border sense. Has the Taoiseach discussed this with the First Minister?

See this speech in context