Written answers

Thursday, 8 February 2007

Department of Foreign Affairs

Northern Ireland Issues

5:00 pm

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the international agreement between Ireland and the United Kingdom constituted by the exchange of the letters between himself and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that are scheduled to the British-Ireland Agreement (Amendment) Act 2002 remains in full force and effect or if it has been amended; if the provision in that agreement to the effect that no new functions shall be conferred on any of the North South Implementation Bodies pending restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly remains in operation; the reason it is proposed to proceed with the Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill 2006, which would confer new and extended functions on the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, one of the six North South Implementation Bodies, during a period when the Northern Ireland assembly remains in temporary suspension; the reason it is proposed to have that Bill enacted before the date set for the restoration of the Assembly and of devolved Government in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4321/07]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2002, the two Governments, in order to protect and maintain the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement, entered into an Agreement to ensure the continuation of the necessary public function performed by the North/South Implementation Bodies. At the same time, the two Governments agreed that no new functions would be conferred on the Bodies during the temporary suspension of the Assembly. That Agreement remains in force.

However, in the case of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, the functions to be carried out had been agreed by the two Governments prior to suspension. The Agreement in 1999 which provided for the establishment of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission also provided that legislation be brought forward in both jurisdictions to enable the Body to carry out certain specified functions. The Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Bill 2006 gives effect to the two Governments' agreement on the functions to be exercised by the Body.

The drafting process, North and South, was complex and lengthy. Now that the two Governments are in a position to fulfil this outstanding commitment, we are determined to do so in a timely manner. Draft legislation is currently being brought through the legislative process in both jurisdictions.

I particularly welcome this legislation as it is vital that we ensure effective regulation of aquaculture activity in the Loughs. The legislation provides for the development and licensing of aquaculture by the Body and the exercise of a development function in relation to inland fisheries in the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Government has been committed to ensuring the effective functioning of the North/South Bodies during suspension. I very much look forward to these Bodies becoming fully operational again with the restoration of the Northern Ireland institutions and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

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