asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the potential for cross-Border industrial development in the context of the Anglo-Irish Agreement; and the action, if any, he has taken in this respect.
Written Answers. - Cross-Border Industrial Development.
39.
Article 10 of the Anglo-Irish Agreement provides that the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference shall be a framework for the promotion of co-operation between the two parts of Ireland concerning cross-Border aspects of economic, social and cultural matters. Both Governments are committed to improving co-operation in the economic and social sphere and at the conference on 16 July 1987 the scope for improving cross-Border co-operation in these areas was discussed. Both sides agreed that future contact between those concerned at ministerial and official level in both Governments would take place with the conference keeping progress under review.
A number of meetings have now taken place in this context, including an introductory meeting between the Minister for Industry and Commerce, Deputy Albert Reynolds, and Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Northern Ireland with responsibility for Industry, Mr. Peter Viggers, MP, on 29 July 1987. It is intended that future contacts on industrial matters, including science and technology, will take place at an early date.
The potential for cross-Border industrial development will also feature in the north-west study which both Governments have agreed to commission. The cross-Border study will assess the major economic and social problems in the north-west and identify ways to tackle these problems especially through the creation of new employment. It will also examine ways in which this might be achieved through closer co-operation between the appropriate authorities on both sides of the border.
The International Fund for Ireland also has an important function in promoting cross-Border industrial development.