John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank my colleague for giving me some of his time to speak. I agree with the remarks of my colleagues on the importance of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly having an input and role in the North-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council. I have been a member of the British-Irish body since the last general election. I commend Deputy McHugh on his role as co-chair as well as the Irish officials on organising what was an outstanding programme that made up the recent meeting which took place from Sunday to Tuesday. The quality of the content and speakers and the events organised were noted by the British members of the assembly. I commend all involved on organising the meetings. They made a significant impact on people, especially those outside of Ireland who took part in the proceedings during these two or three days.

I agree with the previous speaker in respect of some of the important points raised during the assembly. The nature of the assembly is that specific issues are dealt with sometimes, but the primary function is to build relationships between public representatives on this island and neighbouring islands. It is and has been a successful organisation in terms of building these relationships.

I was struck by the comments of Deputy Kirk earlier. He remarked that he represents a Border constituency. I represent a constituency that is a long way from the Border but there are many individuals and businesses in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny with significant links especially across the Irish Sea. It is important that Members, who perhaps are not representative of Border constituencies but who are interested in fostering these links, have the opportunity to do so. I was struck by some of the contributions during the two days of the meeting. Reference was made to muscular dystrophy and how there is a facility available in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the UK and the importance of keeping that facility available for those who suffer from that particular debilitating illness in this country. Reference was also made to an issue which has been ongoing for several years, that is, the reciprocal acceptance of penalty points in jurisdictions on both sides of the Border and across the Irish Sea. This is an area in which the assembly has some input. It appears we may be moving towards a reciprocal arrangement in all jurisdictions.

I commend the Ministers who took part in the discussion. Three members of the Cabinet were present: the Taoiseach, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Health, as well as the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Deputy Brian Hayes. They contributed to worthwhile discussions and stayed to answer many questions, often on specific issues raised by members of the assembly. There was a full and frank exchange of views between the members and the Ministers who turned up. I commend them for their efforts.

I look forward to the next assembly, due to take place in Glasgow towards the end of the year. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of how events such as this bring representatives together. I note how far we have come in terms of the relationship between politicians on all sides on the islands we inhabit and the nature of the close relations now compared with some of the uncertainties and doubts in the not too distant past. It is about normalising relationships. That is the term we use. The British Irish Parliamentary Assembly is an easily identifiable arena where these relationships can be normalised. I wish the assembly continued success in future.

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