Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

93. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he put forward at North-South Ministerial Council meetings in relation to the establishment of additional cross-Border bodies as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement; the outcome of such discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7860/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The existing North South Bodies, particularly Tourism Ireland and InterTradeIreland, are making a considerable contribution towards economic growth right across the island and clearly demonstrate what can be achieved when we pool our resources in key strategic areas.

At the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meetings that I have attended the focus of Ministers has been on discussing the sectoral priorities for additional co-operation which they have identified in their respective areas of responsibility, particularly as regards assisting economic recovery, job creation, the best use of public funds and the most effective delivery of services for citizens across the island. There have already been considerable advances in some of the priority areas they have identified and I look forward to this continuing.

Proposals to establish additional North South Bodies have not been discussed at the NSMC meetings I have attended, and of course any such proposals would first require the agreement of the Northern Ireland Executive before decisions on them could be made by the NSMC.