Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I congratulate the new Northern Ireland Minister for Justice, Mr. David Ford, MLA. I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Taoiseach and Deputy Gilmore in that regard. Mr. Ford is a practical and pragmatic politician and I wish him well in his endeavours.

There must be real concern with regard to the small number of dissidents who have the capability to cause serious damage as a result of their terrorist activities. I hope the level of support between the Garda and the PSNI is as high as it has always been. I also hope that, in the context of the security of the State, the Taoiseach is briefed on a regular basis and provided with accurate information. These people - with the obscene methods they employ in order to make so-called statements - cannot be given an opportunity to drive the country backwards.

In an interview in The Irish Times today the Taoiseach points out that the British-Irish Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreements enabled us to rebuild relationships and that in the context of North-South co-operation process is about rebuilding the relationship between the two parts of the Ireland on the basis of mutual benefit. I support that sentiment. The Taoiseach also made the point that at present it is more important to focus on rebuilding relationships than on bringing about a united Ireland.

I met Mr. Owen Paterson, MP, of the British Conservative Party when he visited Ireland in order to engage in a round of meetings with political personnel. Mr. Paterson expressed an interest in the position relating to VAT and corporation tax rates, North and South. No one knows what decision the British people will arrive at in the election that is due to be held in the coming weeks. In the context of mutual benefit, however, does the Taoiseach have a view on what might happen regarding a closer relationship between corporation and VAT tax rates, North and South, following the making of that decision?

A recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows that Northern Ireland is the only area in the UK where business confidence is down. It also highlights the fact that 33,000 jobs have been lost in the North. However, the figure is probably much higher because those who were previously self-employed and who are no longer in business are not included in the figure. Does the Taoiseach have a view on the holding of discussions on closer co-operation in respect of tax rates? I accept that there is a differential between sterling and the euro. However, in the context of both the mutual benefit to which he referred and tax rates, has he engaged in any discussions on this matter?

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