Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 10, inclusive, together.

I last visited Belfast on Monday, 13 June, when I addressed a conference on "Working Together for Peace and Prosperity", organised by the University of Ulster. I took the opportunity in my remarks to outline the Irish Government’s position regarding the imminent UK referendum on European Union membership. I outlined our particular perspective on the issue, including the importance of avoiding any hardening of the Border in whatever form. Following my speech, I took part in a panel discussion on the issues raised.

While at the university I met the vice chancellor, Mr. Paddy Nixon, and I also met a number of community and non-governmental organisation representatives attending the conference, including some of those currently involved with the "Stronger In" referendum campaign. I also visited the newly opened premises of CPL Recruitment at a networking event attended by business representatives. I also took the opportunity at that event to ensure that the Irish Government's position on the forthcoming referendum was understood.

I attended the 26th summit of the British-Irish Council on 17 June, hosted by the Scottish Government in Glasgow. The heads of delegation were welcomed by First Minister Sturgeon on behalf of the Scottish Government. She commenced the meeting with a minute's silence to mark the untimely death of Ms Jo Cox, MP. The council reflected on priorities for member administrations and discussed how the council could continue to promote co-operation on issues of common concern. The council also noted that there might be scope for new areas of co-operation based on emerging government and member administration priorities across these islands, many of which have had elections in recent times.

In the context of current issues, the forthcoming UK EU referendum was discussed. I clearly set out the Irish Government position and our programme of outreach to Irish citizens in Britain who have a vote. The Minister of State, Deputy Helen McEntee, met counterparts with particular responsibility for unpaid carers in advance of the summit to consider a detailed paper prepared by the council’s social inclusion work sector. The discussion was then taken forward by heads of administration, where the council agreed that carers are an integral and vital part of society, caring for family, friends and neighbours affected by physical or mental illness, disability, frailty or substance misuse. It was agreed that further sharing of research and good practice in this important area will be pursued by member administrations.

The Scottish Government updated the council on the work done in advance of the summit to take forward work being undertaken to review the operation of the council. It also noted the secretariat's end of year report and agreed a new council communications plan for 2016 to 2018. The council also approved publication of the British-Irish Council annual report for 2015, and the next British-Irish Council summit is scheduled for Wales in November 2016.

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