Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
293 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Finance the all-Ireland elements contained in submissions which his Department has received in relation to the next National Development Plan 2007 to 2013. [25609/06]
View answerAs I have indicated in responses to previous questions the all-island dimension will be one of the key horizontal themes of NDP 2007-2013. There are a number of issues facing both parts of the island such as the need to invest in infrastructure, energy provision, education and training, new technology and R&D. It is intended that the NDP will set out an agreed strategic framework for cooperation in these and other areas to our mutual benefit.
My Department, as co-ordinator of the preparation of the next NDP, has engaged with other Departments on the issue of North/South cooperation with particular reference in this context to programmes in their area of responsibility. Officials from my Department will also be engaging directly in consultation with their Northern counterparts shortly on the North/South dimension of the NDP. There is ongoing liaison between Departments and their Northern counterparts in relation to matters pertaining to North/South cooperation.
As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to speculate at this stage on the content of the North/South co-operation elements of the NDP. I can, however, assure him that it is my objective that it will be a substantive element which will set a basis for further co-operation.
