asked the Taoiseach whether, following the recent Dublin visit of the Northern Ireland Economic Development Committee for general discussions on trade and industry, a reciprocal meeting will take place in Belfast; and whether as yet any schedule of ministerial meetings has been arranged.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Discussions with Northern Ireland.
2.
I am not prepared to comment on the details of meetings of this nature as to do so would not be conducive to the development of conversations which must remain confidential in their initial stages. I understand that the Northern Ireland Economic Development Committee were not seeking any publicity for the visit of their representatives.
I put down this question following a report which appeared in the Financial Times on the 23rd June. This report referred to this meeting and to a subsequent Belfast meeting. I am merely interested in something that has been referred to on many occasions by representatives here, namely, the areas of broad economic co-operation which the Taoiseach may now see opening up. Can the Taoiseach give the House some information about whether any advance has been made in these broad areas of co-operation?
I am sure that the specific visit to which the Deputy referred was more in the nature of a study mission rather than a visit concerned with economic co-operation as such. Certain of our agencies, including the Sugar Company, were anxious and willing to help this study group in giving them information which they were seeking about economic development in the north. These agencies, including Córas Tráchtála, were very glad to be of assistance.
Was any attention given to the suggestion about certain Border areas having common authorities to forward economic planning?
What the Deputy has in mind refers to a previous visit by representatives of the Stormont administration, as such, who visited their counterparts here some weeks ago. The outcome of that visit, which apparently is based on an agreed report, will be pursued.
May I take it that the various State agencies on this side of the Border are to be given the green light in regard to further talks with their counterparts in Northern Ireland?
There is no question whatever of permission. The State agencies which were visited by this recent study group never sought, nor were given, permission. It was always implied that they would get it in matters of co-operation like this. There is no necessity to give any green light because it is there all the time.
3.
asked the Taoiseach whether the or any other member of the Government conferred with the Stormont Minister for Community Relations during his recent visit to Dublin; and, if so, the nature of the discussions.
The Stormont Minister for Community Relations did not meet a member of the Government during his recent visit to Dublin nor did he seek a meeting.