Elisha McCallion (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. There is no doubt that it is an extremely busy time for him and his colleagues so I appreciate his coming here today to discuss a very important issue. The Minister of State will know too well that the New Decade, New Approach agreement that was signed in January comes on the back of intense and sometimes painstaking negotiations that had been taking place for the year previous. It is worth acknowledging that at the time of signing the New Decade, New Approach agreement there was a lot of hope in the North of a new decade of politics and opportunities, even when the regional and all-Ireland economy faced unprecedented uncertainty and instability due to Brexit. There was hope all the same. The British Government defaulted in its financial commitments to the obligation before the ink had even dried on the agreement. Fortunately for us, however, we had the Irish Government on our side. It is with that in mind that I ask the Minister of State to update the House on his Government's commitments under annex A.

It was welcome news in Derry and the wider north west that the region featured significantly in the document. In fact, it even had its own section. This did not happen by accident and I am sure the Minister of State will know that our party played a key role in ensuring that Derry and the wider north west featured heavily in the negotiation process. It was right that the document recognised that the region was in need of much significant strategic investment. I acknowledge and thank the Government for its financial contribution towards the north west strategic partnership, which was formed under Fresh Start and has done great work over the years. In page 60 of the document, the Government commits to exploring opportunities to invest in the Derry, Strabane and wider north west inclusive growth deal. The deal currently comprises investment of €105 million from the Northern Executive, €105 million from the British Government and €50 million from Derry City and Strabane District Council and Ulster University. I note that my colleague, Conor Murphy, Minister of Finance in the North, wrote to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, in May this year requesting that consideration be given to contributing to this funding path. I ask the Minister of State to clarify whether his Government has explored this and if we could pick it up as a matter of urgency with the stakeholders in the north west.

The Minister of State will be acutely aware that Derry and the north west have ambitious plans to expand further and higher education through the provision of the Magee campus expansion. I have met the Minister of State's officials many times over the years and made this point very clear. The Minister of State will accept that the insertion of the Magee expansion into the document was absolutely essential for our party to buy into its agreement. Therefore, given that the agreement was signed by the Government, what has it done with the north west further and higher education cross-Border cluster, Ulster University, the Executive in the North or the British Government, which are referenced in the document in respect of the Magee expansion?

Annex A also states that the Government will enhance and update the national development plan here to commit to additional joint funding and cross-Border investment in infrastructure. What has happened in respect of this? I welcome the fact that the Government has committed €75 million towards the A5 but I once again remind the Government of its previous agreement to fund 50% of the overall cost. I would like some clarification in this regard. I am very conscious of the range of issues I have brought to the Minister of State today. However, given the week that is in it and the fact that we could potentially be going over a cliff-edge in respect of Brexit negotiations, has the Government considered targeted funding into the North, particularly in respect of Border constituencies? I have mentioned a range of projects today. At the time of signing New Decade, New Approach there was a lot of hope. There was hope in Derry and I am sure the Minister of State along with the Minister, Deputy Coveney, would not want there to be another false dawn for the people of Derry and the north west. I would be grateful for specific clarification on the issues raised.