Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is following the progress of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary body; his views on the future development of the Body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32530/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body met most recently in Plenary on 25-27 November. The British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body has played an important role in developing mutual understanding and strengthening relations among the people of these islands. As a former co-chair of the BIIPB I have long been an admirer of its work.

I have no doubt that the changed context arising from the positive developments in Northern Ireland will present new opportunities for the Body, but its future direction is a matter for consideration by the Body itself.

The Government is committed to the establishment of the East West Parliamentary framework, and the North/South Parliamentary forum, as envisaged by the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement. In this context I welcome the motion adopted by the BIIPB at its meeting last month 'to initiate consultations with the Northern Ireland Assembly, the governments and the other relevant elected institutions with a view to making recommendations as to the formation of the inclusive East-West inter-parliamentary framework which will embrace all interests, as envisaged in the St. Andrews Agreement'.