Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 63: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his most recent visit to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41866/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I visited Belfast on 11 November 2009 for a series of meetings. At Stormont Castle, I met with First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, together with their Northern Ireland Executive colleagues, Margaret Ritchie and Robin Newton, for a North/South Ministerial Council meeting in Institutional Format. As on previous occasions, we had a very useful discussion on the economic and budgetary challenges facing both jurisdictions and the potential contribution cross-border cooperation can make in providing more effective and efficient services North and South.

We had a very good exchange on EU issues of mutual interest and areas where we might cooperate further to advance our shared interests. We also discussed the remaining obstacles to cross-border mobility and welcomed a plan to inform teachers about recent changes in pension arrangements for those looking to work in the other jurisdiction. We also discussed the implementation of efficiency savings in the North/South Bodies for 2009 and 2010. I used the opportunity to reiterate the Government's strong support for the Bodies as they continue to carry out their mandate and play a valuable role in the economic recovery of the island.

I later met with the SDLP leader, Mark Durkan, MP, MLA, and several of his party colleagues to discuss a range of issues including current political developments in Northern Ireland. Before leaving Parliament Buildings, I paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. William Hay, MLA. I visited the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Offices and met with the Chief Commissioner Monica McWilliams and several of her Commission colleagues. We had a fruitful discussion of the Commission's work, including their co-operation with the Irish Human Rights Commission through the Joint Committee of the two Commissions. We also discussed progress towards the creation of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.

While in Belfast, I also took the opportunity to visit the offices of the Policing Board. I met with the Chairman, Barry Gilligan, and the Vice Chairman, Brian Rea, who briefed me on the very impressive work of the Board, including an update on the transformation of policing in the North following the recommendations of the Patten Commission a decade ago. We also discussed the range of issues on the policing agenda in Northern Ireland.