Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 September 2013
149. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken to extend the remit of the North-South implementation bodies; the consideration he has given to widening the number of areas of cross-Border co-operation and the consultation he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive in this regard. [39111/13]
View answerThe three terms of reference of the review of the existing North South bodies and of North South co-operation generally which is being undertaken in accordance with the St Andrews Agreement, are to examine the existing bodies in terms of efficiency and value for money, to look at the case for additional North South bodies and areas of co-operation and at a replacement for the Irish Lights Agency. The review was a subject of discussion at the meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in plenary format which was held in Dublin Castle on 5 July 2013 and which was attended by members of the Government and of the Northern Ireland Executive including the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. It was noted that Term of Reference One of the Review is now largely complete; that senior officials from both administrations have met and initiated a work programme to take forward Terms of Reference Two and Three; including expanding on the areas of North South cooperation, and that they will conclude their work and present a report with proposals to the next NSMC Institutional meeting.
