asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any discussions with the British authorities regarding the establishment of an Anglo-Irish parliamentary body as envisaged in the Anglo-Irish Agreement; whether the establishment of such a body would be a helpful step; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Anglo-Irish Parliamentary Body Establishment.
39.
The possible establishment of an interparliamentary body, as originally envisaged in the joint studies commissioned after the Anglo-Irish summit on 8 December 1980, is a matter for Parliamentary decision in London and Dublin. While both Governments are aware of the considerable work currently being done towards the establishment of such a body, it is recognised that the initiative must rest with Parliaments. As I have previously indicated, the Irish Government would welcome the early establishment of an interparliamentary body and, once established, would give it all support.