Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

There was no conclusion at the meeting on Friday about additional bodies. Clearly, there were a number of issues outstanding in regard to some of the existing bodies. For instance, the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, committed to working with his counterpart in respect of the continued planning of the Erne Canal, which has been an issue for a very long time. There is no funding for it now, but there is no reason to believe one cannot put in place a strategy and a plan to open it. It would have enormous implications for tourism.

A number of groups have been seeking to see me. I have committed to meeting relatives of those who were killed at Ballymurphy. I also said the same thing on Friday to the Minister, Mr. Kennedy, in respect of Kings Mill.

When Deputy Martin says "fresh impetus", "new initiative" and "new ideas", I am only too interested in hearing what these might be. The North-South jobs and employment situation is one of great interest. We discussed the scale of the public sector in Northern Ireland. As Deputy Martin knows, it is exceptionally large in terms of numbers. The issues that affect the construction and building sector and the creation of jobs and employment are not new, but it is important that new initiatives be taken to stimulate these areas.

It is more than just Altnagelvin. We did not have any discussion before about the South West Acute Hospital. The point was that it was open for patient care for people from Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim and Sligo.

There are exciting opportunities in the whole area of third level education, as well as second level where appropriate. Both Ministers are working on an exciting programme there. It is not a case of saying this has ground to a halt just because matters are normal. We have had questions on PEACE III projects and some delays involved between the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and its counterpart. This is being ironed out by the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and his officials. These are all issues and events to be completed.

Of concern to the Deputy, and everyone else, is the question of community involvement. Unemployment is a big issue particularly for young men. We do not want the rise of dissident activity encouraging young men in particular to go the wrong way. That is why community facilities and interaction are important. When I was in London in March, I signed the strategic partnership agreement in Downing Street with the British Prime Minister. Both he and I agreed to visit Northern Ireland on as regular a basis as is possible - not at the same time - to involve different communities and projects. This would keep it at a high level of interest and demonstrate political support for the work communities are doing there. That is fundamental to what we should be at.

If Deputy Martin has particular or fresh initiatives in mind, I would be happy to hear from him. The working groups, with some changes that have been made, will keep this at a high level. Perhaps we might discuss this before I go up there in the next several weeks. If there are issues which require our attention, we would be happy to involve ourselves in them.

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