Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Deputy Adams got the mood right in this case. There has been a strong and positive reaction to my attendance at the opening of the Peace Bridge. I have encouraged every member of the Government to involve themselves informally with their counterparts in the Executive. I hope that by the time the next North South Ministerial Council takes place a range of sectoral meetings will have taken place with interests on either side. Beyond that, I hope there will be regular contact between our Ministers and those in the Executive. For my part, it is a case of structuring my time in a better way so I can make regular contact with the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the leaders of the other parties. I will continue to do that and will be happy to report regularly to the House on what we are doing. I do not object to the House having an opportunity to discuss continuing issues in respect of co-operation between the Republic and Northern Ireland or issues as they arise. This is in everybody's interest.

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