Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I fully agree with Deputy Moynihan. There are officially 12 areas of co-operation that cover a broad swathe of issues under the framework, including education, transport, healthcare and environment. However, I heard the former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern make the point before, and he is entirely correct on this, that it is important that the meetings are dynamic. It is important that people move beyond their speaking points to actually having discussions about the issues that affect the people on the island of Ireland. I must say that I feel that is happening more and more. I would use gender-based violence as an example of where we have been having really good conversations around how we can do more joint research in regard to this. Another example is mother and baby homes, where the Northern Ireland Executive and Stormont are considering issues around that. They are looking for, wanting and receiving co-operation and an exchange of information from this jurisdiction too. Storm Éowyn is another example. This is where it simply makes sense to practically co-operate, alongside all the formal, structured engagement, which is very important too. It is moving into a much better place.

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