Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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47. To ask the Taoiseach his role in working with the Northern Ireland Executive in agreeing and implementing cross-Border projects that can benefit from European Union funding, as per the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13104/16]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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48. To ask the Taoiseach the status of the next British-Irish Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13106/16]

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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66. To ask the Taoiseach the status of the proposed Narrow Water Bridge project following the meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council. [15870/16]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 48 and 66 together.

The Irish Government outlined its commitment to supporting North-South development in the National Development Plan 2016 - 2021, in the "Fresh Start Agreement" and in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The Irish Government is committed to investing in infrastructure to support North-South cooperation and unlock the full potential of the economies of both jurisdictions.

As co-chair of the North South Ministerial Council, I ensure that the focus of Ministers is on the priorities for additional North South 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.

As indicated in the recent Programme for a Partnership Government, I look forward to the further development of mutual North South benefit, particularly through the ongoing work of the NSMC.

Narrow Water Bridge:

Under "A Fresh Start - Stormont House Agreement" the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government have agreed to undertake a review of the Narrow Water Bridge project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council next month. Discussions at official level have taken place between Northern Ireland Executive and Irish Government officials and a report has been prepared for consideration at the next NSMC.

British-Irish Council

I attended the 26th Summit of the British-Irish Council on 17 June hosted by the Scottish Government in Glasgow. The heads of delegation were welcomed by First Minister Sturgeon on behalf of the Scottish Government.

First Minister Sturgeon commenced the meeting with a minute's silence to mark the shocking death of Jo Cox MP. The Council reflected on priorities for Member Administrations and discussed how the Council could continue to promote cooperation on issues of common concern. The Council also noted that there might be scope for new areas of cooperation based on emerging Government and Member Administration priorities across these islands, many of which have had elections in recent times. In the context of current issues, the forthcoming UK EU Referendum was discussed. I clearly set out the Irish Government position and our programme of outreach to Irish citizens in Britain who have a vote.

Minister of State, Helen McEntee met with counterparts with particular responsibility for unpaid carers in advance of the Summit to consider a detailed paper prepared by the Council’s Social Inclusion work sector. The discussion was then taken forward by Heads of Administration, where the Council agreed that carers are an integral part of society, caring for family, friends and neighbours affected by physical or mental illness, disability, frailty or substance misuse. It was agreed that further sharing of research and good practice in this important area will be pursued by Member Administrations.

The Scottish Government updated the Council on the work done in advance of the Summit to take forward work being undertaken to review the operation of the Council. It also noted the Secretariat’s end of year report and agreed a new Council Communications Plan for the period 2016-18. The Council also approved publication of the BIC Annual Report 2015.

The next British Irish Council Summit is scheduled for Wales in November 2016.