Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her response. I have taken note of her remarks on this important issue. She is right about the potential. It is absolutely massive. She has spoken about tourism, energy and infrastructure. The Government is fully committed to supporting economic growth across the island of Ireland. We will continue to promote the benefits of this island for trade, tourism and investment. This is the consistent expectation of business and community stakeholders. We particularly look forward to the resumption of activity of the North South Ministerial Council, enabling the Government to engage with the executive in Northern Ireland to protect and further promote North-South trade.

The island of Ireland enjoys a highly integrated cross-Border economy, with supply and value chains criss-crossing the Border and encompassing a range of sectors. The Government understands the value of North-South trade and the benefits of frictionless trade on the island of Ireland. This is reinforced by the fact that many investors view the island as a natural ecosystem. As I have said already, I think everybody was struck by the hopefulness and the positivity that emanated last Saturday. The Senator spoke about potential. The potential is absolutely huge. Now is the time for everyone to get down to work and to drive it on.