Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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34. To ask the Taoiseach the extent to which he and his Department continue to engage in dialogue with all communities in Northern Ireland with a view to strengthening and improving confidence through the medium of the shared Ireland concept. [33192/21]

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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35. To ask the Taoiseach if he or his Departmental officials have engaged or corresponded with clubs (details supplied) or communities in Northern Ireland to discuss the future of the agreed Shared Ireland, Shared Island initiative. [33225/21]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.

The Government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance co-operation, connection and mutual understanding on the island, engaging with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.

I established a Shared Island unit in my Department to act as a driver and coordinator of this whole of Government initiative.

In Budget 2021, the Government established the Shared Island Fund, committing €500m in capital funding out to 2025, ring-fenced for investment in North/South projects.

We are making allocations from the Fund to support delivery of our commitments and objectives on a Shared Island, as set out in the Programme for Government. The Government will work with the Executive in Northern Ireland, the British Government and other partners to deliver cross-border investments that enhance our shared island.

To support development of a more ambitious agenda for co-operation and connection on the island, the Shared Island unit in my Department has commissioned a comprehensive research programme, working with the ESRI, the National Economic and Social Council, the Irish Research Council and other partners. Research will be published through this year and next, focused on needs and opportunities to deepen co-operation across a range of economic, social and environmental domains.

I have initiated the Shared Island Dialogue series to foster inclusive, constructive civic dialogue, that engages all communities and traditions, on key issues for our shared future.

I addressed the first Shared Island Dialogue with young people in November, on the theme of “New Generations and New Voices on the Good Friday Agreement”.

Dialogues on Climate and Environment; Civil Society engagement; the Equality agenda; and Economic recovery on the island have also been held so far this year, with participation by Government Ministers.

The next Shared Island Dialogue will be on Health, taking place on 8 July. Recordings and reports of the Dialogues are available online and on social media.

As Taoiseach, I regularly meet with political, civic, economic and other representatives from across all sections of the community in Northern Ireland, on all aspects of the Peace Process, including our shared future on this island, founded on the Good Friday Agreement.

Finally, as part of its work programme the Shared Island unit in my Department is meeting with stakeholders, North and South, to hear their views on a shared island, with over 160 engagements held to date. There has been initial correspondence with the Gaelic Athletic Association and the unit will further engage with the GAA and other sporting organisations, recognising their vital contribution in respect of well-being and positive civic and social connections across the island.