Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Officials on both sides have been working on the joint studies programme. The question of poverty, unemployment and the future of Northern Ireland's economy was discussed.

One of the conclusions was that the Prime Minister and I agreed there should be a series of visits to various locations in Northern Ireland, both by the Prime Minister and myself as Taoiseach, in regard to community development. The latter is so important given that the political peace is very stable but clearly there are threats there from some dissident groups.

I made the point that work is ongoing in regard to the proposal to reduce the corporate tax rate in Northern Ireland, and the implications of that. I discussed the question of elements of a shared economy which were raised at the British-Irish Council and the Cross-Border Parliamentary Council. In addition, the question of investment into Northern Ireland arose. When I was in China, I mentioned to the Chinese leaders that a visit would follow from the First Minister and Deputy First Minister with a view to making a case for investment in Northern Ireland.

When I was in the United States I also raised the question of continued investment in community development. In particular, where difficulties arise for young people - particularly young men - they should be encouraged and supported with employment opportunities.

The promissory note question was raised in this House on so many occasions that it became important to inform the Prime Minister of what the Government's strategy was. As Deputy Martin is aware, a payment in excess of €3 billion was dealt with by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan. I explained to the Prime Minister the strategy involved of a re-engineering of the moneys that were borrowed for recapitalisation of the banks which, when added on to the national debt, created difficulties for us. He fully understood that. Britain was first out of the blocks when Ireland had a problem in respect of its loan.

It might be preferable to keep this thing at a leaders' level in respect of the facility that might be extended to Ireland and the beneficial consequences of that for us. However, Deputies on all sides of the House have a right to ask questions about these matters and as the date was coming up shortly after the Ard-Fheis it had to be dealt with, and it was. Clearly, the bigger portion of that problem is still under negotiation and will be the subject of considerable discussion in the time ahead.

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