Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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2. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the outcome of the North-South Ministerial Council held on 18 December 2020; and if progress was made regarding plans for shared island investment projects at this meeting. [3466/21]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I led the Government when we attended the 25th meeting of the North South Ministerial Council which was held virtually on 18 December. The meeting was jointly chaired by the First Minister, Arlene Foster MLA, and the deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill MLA. 

The meeting provided the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive the opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest and concern, including Covid 19, Brexit and the New Decade New Approach Agreement. 

There was a very positive discussion at the Council on areas of North South cooperation, including the progress being made in implementing NDNA commitments on North-South infrastructure projects. We also discussed the Government’s establishment of the Shared Island Fund with €500m in capital funding over the next five years, ring-fenced for investment in collaborative North/South projects.  In December, the Government approved €6m in funding from the Shared Island Fund to launch the delivery of Phase 2 of the Ulster Canal and we are continuing to work in partnership with the Executive and through the North South Ministerial Council on the other cross-border investment projects, which are part of our Shared Island commitments in the Programme for Government.

Ministers noted that discussions on various New Decade New Approach commitments had taken place at NSMC Sectoral meetings and bi-laterally between Ministers and also noted the commitment of both Administrations to progress these projects which include the A5 Road, the restoration of the Ulster Canal, the Narrow Water Bridge, and the Sligo - Enniskillen Greenway.

The Council was briefed by the Chief Medical Officers, Dr Michael McBride and Dr Tony Holohan, on the public health situation and the ongoing close cooperation in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ministers discussed the measures being implemented in the two jurisdictions to protect public health and limit the transmission of the virus. 

Ministers also discussed the impact of the pandemic on society and on the economy in both jurisdictions and welcomed the measures put in place by both Administrations to support communities and businesses affected by the crisis and to assist economic recovery. Progress in the development and roll-out of a vaccine was welcomed. 

The Council expressed its sympathy to all those who lost loved ones as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and commended the citizens in both jurisdictions for their compliance with the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic and their efforts and perseverance in helping manage the outbreak. The NSMC also expressed its gratitude to all those who have participated in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the frontline health and social care workers who have demonstrated commendable bravery, resilience and commitment to their work and expressed appreciation to the wider workforce of essential workers who have kept various services and facilities operational, often in challenging circumstances. 

The Council also discussed the all island implications of the UK leaving the European Union and agreed that engagement between both administrations on this matter should continue, both within the structure of the Council and elsewhere, taking account of the evolving position.