Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As already stated, when I met the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in Washington last week a number of issues were discussed. Most of these related to employment, economic opportunities, incentives for the development of various sectoral industries in Northern Ireland, tourism, cross-Border activities and infrastructural developments. These are all matters of which the Deputy is well aware. We did not actually discuss the 50-50 requirement or the question of a bill of rights. It may not be that easy to introduce a bill of rights, particularly in view of the implications that might arise in respect of other areas.

I have responsibility for this area and I wish to provide the Deputy with some information. When in opposition, the parties which are now in government were very supportive of the previous Administration in making every effort to ensure that the British-Irish Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement would be implemented in so far as is practical and to the fullest extent possible. To be honest, I have not had an opportunity to discuss the real priorities we can achieve in this regard over a period. I would be happy to do so with the spokespeople on Northern Ireland affairs from the parties opposite in order to discover what priorities might be identified.

I have, for more reasons than one, an interest in the situation regarding language. Following my meeting last week with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, I am aware that their immediate priorities relate to banking issues, the economies of the North and the South and the opportunities they perceive to be of importance to Northern Ireland. I undertook to follow through on a number of those issues and I will keep the House informed.

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