Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - British-Irish Parliamentary Body.

Enda Kenny

Question:

49 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the reports which have been produced by the British-Irish Parliamentary Body and which have been forwarded to Government for consideration; the proposals, if any, he has to implement the body's recommendations arising from these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

As a former member of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body and indeed as a former Chairman of the body's Committee on Economic and Social Affairs, I welcome this opportunity to affirm my support for the valuable work which the body does in developing co-operation within these islands.

In so far as the content of the question is concerned, I should like to refer the Deputy to the reply which my predecessor gave in response to his similar question on 4 November 1992. That reply listed the reports produced by the body to date and explained how the Government has responded positively to the request made by the body at the beginning of 1991 to provide written observations on the various reports. In similar fashion replies will be provided to the reports received in 1992 and I intend to continue this practice with regard to future reports. I believe that these arrangements will contribute to ensuring that the reports are given the careful consideration which they merit, including by other Ministers who may have a direct responsibility in the areas covered by these reports.