asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any major economic or social proposal for West Belfast was discussed at the recent meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Belfast Economic and Social Problems.
9.
As the communique issued at the conclusion of the last Intergovernmental Conference on 4 May makes clear, the question of the various economic and social problems of West Belfast was discussed on that occasion. The matter remains actively on the agenda and the position will be reviewed at the next conference.
Were any specific projects discussed? As Deputy De Rossa said a moment ago, the building of a liner in the Harland and Wolff works would certainly help West Belfast workers, provided the legislation on fair employment is in place and that the two matters are tied in together. Would the Taoiseach agree that West Belfast is probably the part of this island that has suffered most from the troubles of the last 20 years and that some special effort is needed on the part of both Governments, in the social and economic fields, if we are not to allow the men of violence to have free play in that area?
I fully agree with the Deputy, yes. There is a great need for a major onslaught on the economic problems of West Belfast. I assure the Deputy that this figured very prominently in the discussions at the last Conference and will do so again, I hope, at the next Conference.
There was a suggestion in the papers at one stage that there were projects coming forth for funding under the Anglo-Irish fund but that there were no suitable projects coming forth from Belfast. Is that true? If it was true then, is it still true?
No, that would be an unduly pessimistic view to take.
I would have thought so.
With regard to this question and the clear indication that there is a major investment required in West Belfast, particularly, would support for the liner project at Harland and Wolff's be considered a major investment in the area?
Of course, it would be beneficial all round.