Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the conditions referred to by Senator Ó Clochartaigh, I will also bring them to the attention of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross. The North-South co-operation element is happening through Tourism Ireland, which is an all-island, Good Friday Agreement body. We cannot, however, avoid the stark reality that there is no functioning government in Northern Ireland. Some people in this Chamber have a greater influence than the rest of us when it comes to encouraging the establishment of a Northern Ireland executive. The sooner that is established the better because Tourism Ireland works in collaboration on a two thirds-one third divide. The Irish Government cannot act unilaterally on Tourism Ireland or on any other Good Friday Agreement body. The House knows that and the Members know that and I think certain Members are being a bit disingenuous when it comes to the level of North-South co-operation. We are very anxious to see a new executive established in Northern Ireland. Like the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charlie Flanagan, and like the Taoiseach, I appeal to those who have an influence in here to do everything in their power to get that executive established and to make sure that the executive functions and we can get on with developing the country.