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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Nov 1992

Vol. 424 No. 9

Written Answers. - British-Irish Interparliamentary Body.

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.

Enda Kenny

Question:

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.

I can assure the Deputy that the reports and their recommendations are given careful consideration both by me and by other Ministers who may be directly concerned with the subject matter of these reports. As the Deputy will be aware the Government have responded positively to the request made by the body at the beginning of last year to provide written observations on the various reports. To date the Government have provided views on the four reports submitted in 1991, and intend that replies to the three reports adopted at the Edinburgh meeting in July will be available in advance of the next Plenary session. I understand that there is a similar process of consultation with the British Government.
As regards proposals for the expansion of the work of the body, this I believe is a matter in the first instance for the body itself to consider. I would, of course, in consultation with my British counterpart, be pleased to give careful consideration to any views or proposals, either with regard to the substantive work of the body or the procedural arrangements currently in place, which the Inter-parliamentary Body may wish to put forward.
Reports by the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body.

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.

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