Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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14. To ask the Taoiseach the degree to which he continues to explore opportunities under the shared island heading. [41445/24]

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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15. To ask the Taoiseach to report on the work of his Department's shared island unit. [41449/24]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.

The Shared Island Initiative continues to progress working with all communities and political traditions for a shared future, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement.

Inclusive dialogue with all communities and political traditions is central to our approach. Earlier this month, I launched a new Future Takes online interview series as part of our Shared Island Dialogues. Across this series, 15 artists and civic leaders from across this island and beyond, give their view on how, at this moment of opportunity and potential, we achieve more fully the promise of the Good Friday Agreement.

In September I launched the Shared Island Youth Forum’s statement of vision and values for a shared future on the island. The Youth Forum’s work will inform and inspire how the Shared Island initiative develops further as we work for a shared, and more reconciled society on this island.

The Shared Island Unit is also continuing its research programme to deepen understanding of the island as a whole in economic, social, cultural, and political terms. The most recent Shared Island research by the Economic and Social Research Institute was published on 18 October on Drivers of Income Inequality in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

On 16 September, I visited Derry and, as part of my programme, I highlighted a number of the projects that we are supporting in the North-West. I affirmed the Government’s contribution of €600m to the A5 upgrade and I look forward to its planned commencement as a vital safer connection for the North West. During my visit to Ulster University’s Derry campus, I viewed the site of the new teaching building that the Government is funding with €44.5m from the Shared Island Fund, to help expand student numbers in the city, from both sides of the border in the region and beyond.

I also, with the CEOs of Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland, launched a €3m funding call for the ‘Coast to Coast investment scheme’ as part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project to align and connect the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route.

Over recent months, other Shared Island Fund announcements have included:

·On 14 October, a call was made by the Higher Education Authority for proposals under the second round of our North-South Research Programme, supported with a €10m contribution through the Shared Island Fund;

·On 16 September, €15m was announced for installation of Electric Vehicle charging points at 227 eligible sports clubs, across every county on the island; and

·On 9 September, €3m in support was confirmed for over 40 new cross-border projects that will contribute to climate and energy targets on the island, under our Community Climate Action Programme.