Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Keaveney. I sat in the front room of her house on a winter's evening in 1992, with her late father, talking about remoteness and isolation. It is sad that this issue must be raised today. The fact that the ferry is a reality is a memorial, not just to Senator Keaveney's father, but to the fact that he produced a feisty young lady to represent that part of Ireland.

In the decade since the Good Friday Agreement great progress has been seen on this island, North and South. The restoration of the devolved institutions on 8 May last year was an important moment. One of the elements which underpin the progress towards a new and shared future for all on this island has been the creation of improved economic and physical links between the two jurisdictions. While economic development North and South has followed different paths at times, we now face similar challenges to respond to the increasing pace of change and intensity of global competition. There is a new recognition that by working together we can build efficiencies and critical mass in areas such as infrastructure, innovation, skills, trade, tourism and investment promotion. Our shared goal is to strengthen our competitive advantage globally, to address the economic problems that persist as a result of the Border and to deliver better services for all our citizens.

We are working to achieve this, including through the objectives in the national development plan and the programme for Government. Progress includes the development of the all-Ireland electricity market, the improving of road infrastructure between the two jurisdictions, and an important increase in cross-Border trade. Against this background, it is understandable that representatives from the north west should be perturbed and amazed by what has happened.

The increased security checks for passengers travelling on the Foyle have become a matter of disquiet locally. The Chamber will agree that the operation of the Foyle car ferry over the past six years has been a resounding success, and a positive symbol of the new cooperative spirit that exists on the island. Its importance is not just its physical presence; it is a strong philosophical reminder that if we work together on the island we all gain significantly. It is illustrated by the fact that there are two Governments involved in co-operation with the ferry, and the European Union and the International Fund for Ireland have all been involved in it.

As well as directly creating 10 full-time and a number of seasonal jobs, the service has also provided infrastructure that is supporting tourism and economic development in the north west region, one of the most geographically isolated parts of this island. After less than three years in service the one millionth passenger stepped aboard the ferry, and that is an indication of progress. This is because the ferry cuts travelling time by at least half an hour, linking rural Donegal with rural Derry, and is a tangible manifestation of the new dispensation that exists in that area. The positive benefits of cross-Border partnership are encapsulated in this project.

However, that the ferry links both jurisdictions can sometimes present difficulties and complications, such as have arisen in this case. The security checks to which Senator Keaveney refers are carried out on the Magilligan side of the crossing, in County Derry. Since its launch in 2002, Limavady Borough Council have been carrying out random security checks on vehicles boarding the ferry for travel to Greencastle, on the Donegal side. There are no such checks imposed on vehicles entering or exiting the ferry at Greencastle.

The matter of increased security has been raised by officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs with Limavady Borough Council, which is the relevant implementing body in that jurisdiction, and through the British-Irish Secretariat in Belfast. Limavady Borough Council has advised that these additional checks are due to private staff training, which has taken place over the last three weeks. As such, it is anticipated that the checks will shortly return to normal levels, with only spot checks being carried out. I understand that the matter will be raised at a meeting of the borough council over the next weeks and this is welcome. The Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to monitor the situation

It is important that we do not let the benefits offered by the Lough Foyle ferry be overshadowed by a focus on security arrangements. The ferry makes a positive contribution to the economic development of the north west region. Everyone gains from that. I look forward to security arrangements returning shortly to those which previously pertained, in keeping with the spirit of co-operation and trust which has enabled the great progress on this island over the past decade to continue into the future. I will continue to ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to monitor what is happening in this regard and to ensure our concerns are shared and are known to the authorities involved.