I have regular engagement with the Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy, Diane Dodds, in particular through the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
Cross-border collaboration has and continues to be of great benefit for both jurisdictions and the Government is focused on working with the Northern Ireland Executive, through the NSMC to preserve and strengthen North-South co-operation and to deliver projects and activity that benefit people across this island.
On 21st April I chaired the 21st NSMC Trade and Business Development meeting. Minister Dodds, accompanied by the NI Minister of Finance Conor Murphy, represented the Northern Ireland Executive at this meeting.
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.