I thank Deputy Kirk for raising this matter. The recent developments in Northern Ireland hold out the prospect of substantial economic development, beneficial to both parts of this island and to all who live on it. It is this Government's wish to harness to the fullest extent possible the opportunities offered by these developments, to the betterment of all, North and South.
There is, I think, agreement on all sides of this House on the end purpose underlying the subject matter of our discussion tonight. There will, of course, be differing views on the best means to the end sought — a strengthened capacity for economic and employment growth throughout this island through what is, implicitly, a form of mutual co-operation — the creation of a Dublin-Belfast economic corridor. While there are, of course, conflicting and deeply entrenched views held on the political way forward on this island, there are few, whatever their political persuasion, who would argue against economic co-operation between the North and the South. It is history, rather than any law of geography or economics, that has divided us. There is already a consensus within business, North and South, on making the island a microcosm of Europe, on creating our own single market. This consensus has no political agenda — rather, an economic objective underlies it, born out of the belief that such a development would be beneficial to all in economic terms.
The economic corridor concept is attractive, in that it would seem to be one approach to bringing about the greater integration of what are, as of now, two somewhat separate economies; and, to the extent that such integration could assist the more successful development of both economies, it would thereby bring better living standards throughout the island.
The question of the feasibility of establishing such a corridor has already been the subject of a major study to which Deputy Kirk referred. The findings were presented in "A Corridor of Opportunity", prepared for the joint IBEC-CBI Northern Ireland Council by a leading group of economic consultants. The study concluded that a Dublin-Belfast economic corridor should be developed. Very importantly, however, it pointed out that the development of such a corridor would not be a panacea for the lack of competitiveness and other difficulties facing firms in the region; should not be pursued at the expense of other parts of the island; should be undertaken by building on existing strengths in the area concerned; and should not result in any reduction in existing cross-Border initiatives.
The report included a range of recommendations about how such an economic corridor might be developed. They included initiatives considered necessary on infrastructure and on the development of business and other linkages, specific development initiatives and steps to improve the prestige and image of the corridor. In this context I might mention that the present development strategy for national primary roads focuses on four key corridors, one of which is that linking Dublin and Belfast. I might also remind the House that a major upgrading of the Dublin-Belfast railway line is currently underway, and I am sure that the Louth constituency will benefit from both those developments.
These recommendations will be taken into account in the Government's future consideration of this initiative.
The Government, like its predecessors, is fully committed to the expansion and the development of North-South economic co-operation in all areas. That co-operation has greatly increased in recent years. There has been a series of extremely valuable contacts within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.
Both North and South, and in particular the Border areas, have benefited from the European INTERREG programme. The INTERREG II programme will shortly be implemented, and I am sure the Border areas will benefit substantially from that programme on this occasion also. The new European aid package will also be of assistance to developments in the Border area. As is already well known, the Government is anxious that any lasting settlement on this island will include a strong North-South economic dimension.
The House will understand, therefore, that I am in full agreement with the concept which prompts Deputy Kirk — to promote developments which can work to the significant economic and employment benefit of both the North and the South. As to the particular proposal mentioned by the Deputy I understand that a task force has already been established by IBEC and the CBI to pursue the feasability of the recommendations in the study to which I have referred. I look forward with interest to the outcome of its deliberations.
