Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 13, inclusive, together.

I met with the First Minister, Peter Robinson, MLA, and his Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA, in my first full week in office when I visited Washington for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. I also met them at the funeral of Police Constable Ronan Kerr in April. I met them again at the event in College Green to welcome US President Barack Obama last week. I have also met with other political leaders from Northern Ireland and I anticipate further such meetings as required.

I also spoke on the telephone with the First and Deputy First Ministers to congratulate them on their electoral success in the recent elections in the North. During that conversation I told them that I looked forward to meeting them, along with the newly appointed Executive, at the next plenary meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council which will take place on 10 June here in the South. At that meeting I expect that we will discuss the economic situation and review progress across the full range of areas of North-South co-operation.

I have not made any changes to the Northern Ireland division in my Department which continues to play an important role in co-ordinating matters relating to North-South co-operation across a range of Departments.

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