John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I add my voice to that of the Tánaiste in commending the hard work of the Co-Chairmen in organising such a substantial and timely programme for the plenary meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. The plenary theme of making business easier is one that is very close to my own heart and goes to the core of what we are seeking to achieve in developing the British-Irish relationship. The backbone of the Irish economy is made up of the 200,000 small and medium sized companies which between them employ 700,000 people. There is great potential there for trade between North and South and between this State and Britain. Likewise, making business easier is of equal concern for the small business sector in Britain. An important part of the development of the British-Irish relationship lies in facilitating the potential for inter-country trade and export-led growth for both countries.

I pay tribute to the work of the Co-Chairmen of the assembly, Deputy Joe McHugh and Mr. Laurence Robertson, MP, for their work. Likewise, I thank the civil servants in both jurisdictions for their vital support for the assembly's activities. While the assembly meets twice a year, the value added by the ongoing work of the committees between plenaries is immeasurable. In particular, I thank Deputy Jack Wall and his committee for bringing forward a very useful and timely report on the small and medium sized enterprise sector. Both Governments are focused on lifting our respective economies and restoring confidence and access to credit for business. Many speakers referred to the ongoing difficulties experienced by small business in accessing funding. The banks in this country are now sufficiently recapitalised to ensure viable small companies receive the necessary funding to allow them to grow. Given my portfolio, I have a keen interest in the work of Deputy Wall's committee. I will read its report with interest and consider its conclusions carefully.

Several Deputies stressed the importance of the British-Irish economic relationship for the prosperity and well-being of the people of both our islands. As noted in the joint statement by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, economic co-operation will be a cornerstone of our strategy of deepening relations in the years ahead. In that regard, I look forward to meeting the members of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce which has recently commenced business. The suggestions raised in the course of the plenary meeting are extremely valuable and will play an important role in strengthening British-Irish co-operation into the future. In particular, I note the useful suggestion arising from the session with the business leaders that standing trade missions between Britain and Ireland should be organised on an annual basis. Enterprise Ireland has identified 1,800 companies to which it will offer support to avail of the potential to export into Northern Ireland, Britain and elsewhere in Europe. It is notable that the priority areas for action identified in the joint statement and in the plenary agenda very much mirror each other. The agrifood sector, in particular, is doing outstanding work, with exports of €9 billion last year. In this context, I welcome the initiative shown by the company to which Deputy Ann Phelan referred. It is vital that such businesses are supported. Trade missions to Britain are of great importance in exploiting the export potential that exists. It is clear that we are all on the same page as we strive to deepen the relationship between Britain and Ireland in the years ahead.

I note the motion passed by members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly expressing concern at the proposed closure of the RTE studios in London, as referred to by several Members in the course of this debate. I am fully aware that this is a matter of regret for many in this House and for members of the Irish community in Britain. However, it is ultimately a matter for the authorities in RTE who, like all of us, are faced with a very challenging financial climate.

I thank Members for their contributions to this debate and commend those colleagues who participated in the plenary meeting. It is very important that the vital ongoing work of the assembly is brought to the attention of all Members and of the wider public. Unfortunately, it might well be the best kept secret in our democratic system. The live streaming of the debates and the use of social media are important steps forward in that regard. We must get out the good news of the co-operation that is taking place not only by way of the assembly but also via the cross-Border bodies and InterTradeIreland. There is immense opportunity for the SME sector in this collaboration. A debate such as this serves a very useful purpose and I hope we will again review the work of the assembly following the next plenary meeting in October. I compliment Deputy McHugh once more on his outstanding work. The staging of the plenary session in the Seanad Chamber added to the ambience of this worthwhile debate. My role as envoy for small business involves a significant engagement with InterTradeIreland and efforts to enhance cross-level co-operation, including by way of trade missions to Britain. In terms of the diversity of opportunity in artisans foods and so on, there is an immense opportunity for businesses to grow and develop. The assembly has a critical role in enhancing economic co-operation for the business people who are the backbone of this economy and on whom we depend for the creation of jobs. Britain's market of 60 million people offers immense opportunities in this regard and it is an area in which IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are actively engaged. I compliment everybody who has participated in this debate.

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