asked the Minister for Education if he will make a statement on the outcome of his recent discussions with Lord Melchett, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office; and if he will further state (1) the specific and general areas covered in the discussions, (2) the areas of mutual interest which emerged at the discussions, and (3) the areas of mutual interest concerning which cross-Border co-operation may ensue; and his intentions to promote co-operation with his counterpart at the Northern Ireland Office, and the areas of education which he intends to pursue actively in this instance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Ireland Discussions.
35.
On 13 December the Minister of State at my Department met Lord Melchett in Belfast where they had fruitful discussions on an agenda of items of mutual concern previously agreed. The agenda related specifically to matters of sport, though the discussion broadened to include youth affairs since this, too, was an area of common interest.
Agreement was reached on the following matters:
(1) Increased cross-Border participation and exchanges over a wider range of activities, including sport for the handicapped, and covering a broad spectrum of areas of population. Currently, cross-Border participation is confined to a few major sports involving the bigger cities.
(2) The establishment of a common day throughout the thirty-two counties on which a sport-for-all activity would be promoted including cross-Border participation particularly at youth level.
(3) The extension of the Ulster Way walking route into County Donegal and neighbouring border counties.
(4) The development of mountain rescue procedures between the sports councils of the respective areas.
(5) The need to link up the Erne and the Shannon through the Ballyconnell Canal to provide for the common use of these facilities by those interested in boating and canoeing.
It is hoped to make progress in each of these areas during the coming year.