asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Anglo-Irish studies concluded in November 1981 have been resumed; and, if so, if he will indicate the subjects being discussed and at what level.
Written Answers. - Anglo-Irish Studies.
325.
The Anglo-Irish Joint Studies were commissioned at a meeting which the then Taoiseach had in December 1980 with the British Prime Minister. These studies were prepared in five board areas which covered institutional structures, citizenship, economic co-operation, measures to encourage mutual understanding, and security. The studies were completed by senior officials of the two Governments and were published on 11 November 1981 following a meeting between the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister on 6 November.
Both Governments subsequently agreed that the recommendations in the Joint Studies should be the basis for a programme of co-operation to be undertaken under the ageis of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council established at the Anglo-Irish Summit of 6 November 1981. The implementation of such a programme is, of course, dependent to a very great extent on the existence of good relations between the two Governments concerned. Since this Government came into office there have been four meetings at Ministerial level of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council. The subjects discussed have included Anglo-Irish relations, the question of supplying Kinsale gas to Northern Ireland and the promotion of the Irish and Welsh languages. There have been no official-level meetings of the council in the same period, although one will now take place in the near future.
The improved state of Anglo-Irish relations, as signalled by the intention of the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister to meet before the end of the year, will allow an intensification of work on implementation of the Joint Studies at both ministerial and official levels of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Council. Since coming to office I myself have had meetings with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr. Prior, and with the new British Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe.