Written answers

Thursday, 21 April 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

North-South Co-operation

5:00 pm

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 34: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he and his Ministers with direct responsibility for the all-Ireland North-South bodies and agencies have been in contact with those bodies since they took office; the level of engagement that has taken place; the plans they have to acquaint themselves with the bodies' and agencies' programmes of work; and if they have been in contact with Assembly Ministers and the level of engagement that has taken place. [8393/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government attaches high priority to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrew's Agreement. As set out in the programme for government, we want to move forward with the completion of the review of North South Implementation bodies, to identify new areas for co-operation and to accelerate the process of recovery and creation of jobs on the island.

The Taoiseach underlined the importance the Government attaches to the strongest possible North South cooperation when he met with the First and deputy First Minister last month. Preparations for the next plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council scheduled for June are currently underway. My Department has convened a meeting of North South coordinators across Government to advance preparations for this and I hope to have an opportunity to review progress with the First and deputy First Minister once the new Executive is in place.

Direct responsibility for the North South bodies established under the British Irish Agreement is exercised by five government departments: the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs (Waterways Ireland and the North/South Language Body which comprises Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster Scots Agency), the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation (InterTrade Ireland), the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission - Loughs Agency); the Department of Finance (the Special EU Programmes Body); and the Department of Health and Children (the Food Safety Promotion Board). In addition, Tourism Ireland is the responsibility of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

In addition to the important role that the North South bodies play, there are other areas of co-operation, both within and outside the remit of the North South Ministerial Council, which provide great benefit to North and South. We look forward to working closely with the new Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly to take this agenda forward to the benefit of all the people of this island.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.