Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on developments arising from the joint statement on the future relationship between Ireland and Britain made by him and the British Prime Minister Mr. Cameron at Downing Street on 12 march 2012 [49391/12]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Joint Statement envisages a comprehensive programme of engagement between the two administrations, including close bilateral engagement between respective departments and regular meetings at Secretary General/Permanent Secretary level.

A range of bilateral meetings have taken place across a range of policy areas since the March 2012 Joint Statement. A plenary meeting of Secretaries General and Permanent Secretaries has been scheduled for 16 November in London, to consider progress to date and map out future work, looking ahead to the Annual Review Summit in 2013. This work programme is based on a number of areas as set out in the Joint Statement, including Energy & Climate Change, Economic & Financial Issues and Trade & Investment. The Joint Statement also provides for the preparation of a joint evaluation of the depth of economic relations between Britain and Ireland and of the opportunities for closer collaboration in support of growth to the mutual benefit of both islands.

The project is being overseen by a Steering Group comprising of senior officials from both jurisdictions. A wider consultative group consisting of key lead Departments is also being established and will be engaged throughout the consultancy. An interim report is to be delivered by mid February 2013 and a final report by end March. The Prime Minister and I have committed to meeting together at Annual Summits to review and oversee progress in the broad areas outlined in the Joint Statement. The next summit meeting is expected to take place in March 2013.