Vol. 261 No. 9
asked the Taoiseach whether any fresh consideration has been given since the Heath initiatives to increasing the present level of North-South co-operation in tourism, fisheries, energy policy, transport, general cross border trade and industrial development.
2.
asked the Taoiseach whether any consideration has been given since the Heath initiatives to North-South co-operation on the economic problems of depressed Border areas with a view to action on both sides of the Border under the aegis of a joint authority which would channel aid and investment to areas whose economic life has been stunted by the political division.
3.
asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement regarding discussions currently being held between Ministry officials in Dublin, London and Belfast on matters of common interest arising out of EEC entry; and if he will indicate the nature of these discussions.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2 and 3 together.
North-South co-operation in the matters referred to in Questions Nos. I and 2 proceeds normally. It is hoped that it will be possible to extend the area of co-operation in economic matters, particularly in the context of EEC membership. I am glad to note from remarks made in the British House of Commons on Thursday last that the British Government are also of the view that North-South co-operation in economic matters is a desirable objective.
In regard to the discussions referred to in Question No. 3, these are normal continuing contacts covering the wide range of problems which can arise in the context of the European Economic Communities.
Who would initiate these discussions?
They are mutually initiated, one might say, because there is continuous contact and if a particular matter arises which affects one side or the other then the side which it immediately affects would be the one to raise it initially.
Does the Taoiseach in his answer refer to continuing normally these joint discussions? Could I ask him whether he would appreciate that since the Heath initiative we could give an impetus to these normal discussions, whether such impetus has been given, whether any fresh proposals have been discussed since the Heath initiative?
I have myself encouraged contacts at official level to continue and these contacts will necessarily and inevitably throw up new problems as they arise. We will be very glad to tackle them and solve them mutually and in co-operation with the other side.
Did the discussions take place with British Ministers or with Mr. Whitelaw at all?
The Deputy now is talking about economic co-operation. These discussions normally embrace the representatives at official level of the three Governments.
Question No. 2 asks specifically about the depressed economic life of Border areas. Could I ask the Taoiseach if any special study has been given to the unique problems of these areas and, especially since the Heath initiative, whether any proposals have come from our side about any kind of joint economic authority that would help on the economic life of towns and farmlands on both sides of the Border?
I myself have put forward specific suggestions along the lines mentioned by the Deputy. As soon as these suggestions can find any sound form for discussion and ultimate co-operation certainly we will be very glad to follow them up.
Can the Taoiseach say if since direct rule there have been any further proposals on any aspect of the matter from the British Government?
No, there have been no specific further proposals but the contacts are continuing and out of these may emerge some further proposals.
Question No. 4 withdrawn.
