Enda Kenny
Question:25 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of the British Irish Interparliamentary Body; and if he has any proposals to expand the work of the association.
Vol. 424 No. 9
25 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of the British Irish Interparliamentary Body; and if he has any proposals to expand the work of the association.
33 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reports the Government has received from the British Irish Interparliamentary Body; the action, if any, the Government propose to take arising from the joint recommendations in the reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 33 together.
As a member of the British-Irish Inter-parliamentary Body from its inception until my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs earlier this year I am deeply conscious of the important contribution which the body makes to the promotion of greater understanding within these islands. The body's debates have provided a constructive forum for dialogue between the two Legislatures and have helped parliamentarians on both sides to have a fuller appreciation of their respective positions. Moreover, the wide-ranging nature of the body's deliberations have served to highlight the scope for enhanced co-operation over a broad spectrum of issues.
Since its establishment in early 1990 there have been five plenary meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Body, including its most recent meeting in Edinburgh in July 1992. During that period a total of nine reports have been forwarded to both Governments. I am including with this reply a table listing the titles of these reports.
December 1990 |
An Assessment of the workings |
of the Anglo-Irish Agreement. |
|
Co-ordination within the EC in the context of Regional Aid and Associated Areas. |
|
May 1991 |
Environmental Issues affecting the UK and Ireland. |
The Irish in Britain. |
|
December 1991 |
Freight Transport. |
Transfer of Prisoners between Britain and both parts of Ireland. |
|
July 1992 |
Closed Border Records and permanent Vehicle Check- points. |
Environmental Implications of Energy Policy in the UK and Ireland. |
|
Development of Tourism. |