Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 2

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

95 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans there are for the continued operation of the cross-Border bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement in view of the suspension of the Executive on 14 October 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18924/02]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

119 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the future of Waterways Ireland, the North-South body established under the Good Friday Agreement, having regard to the suspension of the political institutions in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19309/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 119 together.

The British and Irish Governments are committed to working closely together in a way which reflects the principles of the Good Friday Agreement and which protects and develops its achievements, including in the area of North-South co-operation.

The cross-Border bodies have been developing successfully since their establishment. They now employ almost 700 people and have a combined annual budget of the order of €140 million. There are significant programmes of work under way in the different sectors, bringing real and practical benefits to a large number of people on this island in areas ranging from trade and business development, to the maintenance and development of the island's inland waterways, to food safety promotion.

The two Governments are agreed that the cross-Border bodies should continue to carry out their important functions, and are currently progressing the necessary legal, statutory and practical steps to be taken in this regard.

Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 94.