Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 275: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on meeting with her Northern counterpart to discuss the issue of unemployment in the north west with a view to finding a solution on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18656/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am committed to working with my counterparts in Northern Ireland to implement North/South initiatives where there is mutual economic benefit. The North/South Ministerial Council provides the opportunity to work with my counterparts in Northern Ireland to advance initiatives for the North West and the all-island economy.

There is well-established co-operation between my Department and its agencies with their Northern counterparts to enhance economic development. The North West Gateway Initiative is a major joint response to the development needs of the region, which includes enhancing the skills and infrastructure to attract inward investment and foster the growth of the indigenous enterprise sector. A significant joint initiative between IDA Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland is the North-West Business and Technology Zone, which is receiving substantial INTERREG funding to develop a world-class environment for technology-oriented enterprises in Letterkenny and Derry. Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland are also jointly running a Cross Border Enterprise Incubation Programme known as the Transform- Ideas into Businesses Programme.

FÁS and the Northern Ireland Department for Employment and Learning have developed ongoing cooperation at both official and project levels through a variety of cross-border initiatives. For example, these initiatives include the North West Workforce Development Forum, which was set up to examine the skills needs of the North West's economy, identify growth sectors and develop a strategy for the region. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and the Northern Ireland Skills Expert Group intend to produce an All-Island Statement of Skills Demand and to organise an All-Island skills conference this year. I understand that work is progressing well on both these initiatives.

A 'Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy', which was completed in 2006, identified a number of areas where co-ordinated North/South policy intervention would prove beneficial to both jurisdictions on this island. The areas identified included co-operation on trade and investment promotion, research and development and the development of the knowledge economy, education and training systems to enhance human capital, and co-ordinated provision of key transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure. The National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out a detailed and specific agenda for progressing such co-operation. Work is underway to progress these initiatives, which will also enhance economic development in the Border counties.

The North/South Ministerial Council meeting in Plenary Format on the 17 July 2007 noted the Irish Government's intention to make available a contribution of €580 million to help fund major roads programmes providing dual carriageway standard on routes within Northern Ireland including the route serving the North West Gateway. This is a very significant development for the North West and will help enhance the region's vital transport infrastructure.