Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
389 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress that has been made to date in respect of negotiations with the Northern Ireland Office regarding the development of a single inward investment strategy for the whole island; and when it is expected such a strategy will be in place. [25627/06]
View answerA comprehensive study is currently underway to identify opportunities for further practical North/South co-operation on the development of a more competitive and prosperous all-island economy. The study, which was agreed by my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D. and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Mr Peter Hain M.P., at the British-Irish InterGovernmental Conference in February, is being carried out under the direction of key policy Departments, North and South, including my Department. Representatives of the business community, North and South, are participating in the work of the study.
The initial focus of the study is on the potential for further co-operation around the strategic areas of science, technology and innovation; labour market skills; enterprise and business development; and trade and investment promotion, which will deliver mutual benefits and tangible outcomes. InterTradeIreland is providing the secretariat for the study and is working closely with relevant Departments, agencies and business interests, North and South. A progress report was submitted to the British-Irish InterGovernmental Conference in May and a further report is being prepared. As the final report is not expected until the Autumn, it is therefore not possible to pre-empt the conclusions from the study for further North/South co-operation.
In addition to the comprehensive study IDA Ireland (IDA) and Invest Northern Ireland (INI) continue to identify and pursue collaborative cross-border initiatives. The Boards of both agencies hold an annual joint Board meeting to update each other on issues such as strategy, opportunities for collaboration, EU affairs and other topics of mutual interest. These high level Board meetings have resulted in a commitment to establish a Virtual Cross-Border Technology Park initiative. This is currently being progressed by executives from both IDA and INI and is the most current and practical example of joint efforts to create a platform for the development of new economy enterprises in the North-West of the island.
IDA closely monitors other issues with a North/South dimension such as energy, transportation, infrastructure development, spatial planning and opportunities for improved collaboration or co-ordination are highlighted for the appropriate authorities on an on-going basis.
