Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
124. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a full report on the recent North-South Ministerial Council that focused on trade matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22605/21]
View answerOn 21 April I chaired the 21st North South Ministerial Council Trade and Business Development meeting. The Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds, accompanied by the NI Minister of Finance Conor Murphy, represented the Northern Ireland Executive at this meeting.
The North South Ministerial Council was established under the Good Friday Agreement to develop consultation, cooperation and action within the island of Ireland and these sectoral meetings are an excellent opportunity to review and encourage North-South cooperation in the area of trade and business.
The meeting covered a wide range of matters, including the supports for businesses affected by COVID-19 in both jurisdictions, a discussion on collaborative research and development on the island of Ireland and an update on the work of InterTradeIreland, the North-South body responsible for the promotion of trade and business on an all-island and cross-border basis.
I am happy to report that the Council approved the appointment of Margaret Hearty as Chief Executive Officer of InterTradeIreland at the sectoral meeting. I am sure that Margaret will excel in this role and ensure that InterTradeIreland continues its valuable work on both sides of the border.
A joint communiqué was issued by the Joint Secretariat of the North South Ministerial Council following the conclusion of the meeting and is publicly available on their website.
