Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 6

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

178 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the Border counties, particularly Cavan and Monaghan, will receive at least their fair share in the establishment of cross Border bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27279/99]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The completion of the arrangements on 2 December to bring into being the North-South Ministerial Council, NSMC, and other institutions under the Good Friday Agreement has been a source of great joy to all who have supported the Agreement. Not only has it lifted all our spirits, generating a great sense of optimism all over the island, but it is inspiring a particular confidence in the Border regions. This will especially be the case following the announcement yesterday by the North-South Ministerial Council that a number of offices connected with the new institutions, including the implementation bodies, will be located in the border areas. These will include Southern offices in Monaghan, Carrick-on-Shannon, one near Carlingford, and one in East Donegal. This will be a significant stimulus to the local communities concerned, through the benefits which such investment will generate.

I would point to the new peace in the region which is itself having a profound effect. The level of North-South co-operation is continuing to increase in the new climate and will be signifi cantly underpinned by the new institutions and bodies.

We are also seeing the benefits of the enhanced co-operation which has flowed from the continuing investment in the Border regions under the EU INTERREG and peace programmes. It is clear this Government, through the various vehicles for developing the Border regions, is doing an enormous amount of work to develop the local economies.