Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 November 2008
279 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, following recent protective and supportive expressions of solidarity from Mr. David Miliband, discussions have taken place with his UK counterparts or other British Commonwealth countries with a view to establishing extra political, social or economic relations such as rejoining the Commonwealth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38711/08]
View answerAs neighbours and fellow members of the European Union Ireland and Britain enjoy excellent cooperation across a wide range of issues. One focus of cooperation is of course our intensive engagement on matters relating to Northern Ireland.
In addition, the two Governments engage on matters of mutual interest through the British-Irish Council, established under the Good Friday Agreement to promote and support East-West relations, and the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, which acts as a link between parliamentarians in the Oireachtas, Westminster and the devolved Assemblies of Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands.
Ireland and Britain also engage regularly on matters of shared interest in their capacity as members of the European Union, the United Nations and other international organisations.
The Government believes the current arrangements are well suited to the promotion of relations between our two countries, and has no plans for significant changes in this regard.
