Dáil debates

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions

North-South Implementation Bodies

2:05 pm

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, there are legacy issues, and the 2000 annual report was not published until 2005. I am sure the Deputy agrees that major progress has been made, and the 2011 report will be published in the very near future. It was discussed at a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council the week before last. I am glad the Deputy recognises the excellent work engaged in by the Ulster-Scots Agency, which is a significant part of our cultural history in Northern Ireland and the Border counties, including my own constituency. I have had the pleasure and privilege of attending a number of functions organised by the agency in recent weeks and as recently as last Saturday night.

There have been legacy issues. Ms Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, our opposite number in the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Minister, Deputy Deenihan, and I have given top priority to ensuring the accounts are brought up to date. Major progress has been made. The Deputy identified areas where procurement was not as it should have been in the past, including the office space and the newspaper. These matters have been addressed.

The draft report for 2012 has already been prepared by the Ulster-Scots Agency but we cannot have the 12th before the 11th.

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