Conor Murphy (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity I had to speak yesterday when I outlined number of areas of importance to me. After this discussion we will get into today's business, which is the legislative proposal that was shunted through the Dáil yesterday. With regard to my particular interest, I would welcome at some stage a debate on all-Ireland economic matters which the Minister for enterprise would attend. I notice that responsibility for trade is being moved to the Tánaiste's Department, somewhat surprisingly. Last year I had the opportunity as Northern Ireland's Minister for the Economy to lead the first all-Ireland trade mission to Singapore. The general election interrupted the presence of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment at the time. It was surprising that the first all-Ireland trade mission involving IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland and the Departments North and South was 26 years on from the Good Friday Agreement. It was a very successful visit and there was a real appetite to have more.

The growth in the all-Ireland economy has been organic. It has been growing year on year. The volume of trade North to South and South to North has been growing exponentially in recent years. There is a real opportunity for setting aside all of the politics in the approach to all-Ireland matters. Business is well ahead of the political game regarding the opportunities there are for it. I would very much welcome the opportunity to have the Minister responsible come to the House to discuss how we use InterTradeIreland and other bodies responsible for the promotion of business on the island, particularly given the greater uncertainty we have globally regarding economics and where issues might go regarding tariffs and other matters of uncertainty. There is a real opportunity to strengthen business on the island to create more trade throughout the island and ensure we grow a very strong economy. I would very much welcome the opportunity to debate this at a future date when it is possible.