Vol. 454 No. 7
50 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is Government policy to enhance the cultural, political and administrative links between areas north and south of the Border in view of the successful Newry-Dundalk Investment Conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11230/95]
The Government's policy is one of strong support for the enhancement of North-South co-operation in all fields, including the strengthening of cultural, political and administrative links.
In the Joint Framework Document, the Irish and British Governments propose the creation of new institutions to "cater adequately for present and future political, social and economic inter-connections on the island of Ireland, enabling representatives of the main traditions, North and South, to enter agreed dynamic, new, co-operative and constructive relationships".
I share the Deputy's assessment that the recent Newry-Dundalk International Business Conference was a success. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all those who were involved in its organisation. I am sure that this constructive initiative, which aims to promote the economic interests of Newry and Dundalk on a co-ordinated basis, will bring benefits to both towns and to the eastern Border region in general.
The Government welcomes the establishment of regional initiatives of this kind in Border areas which seek both to reinforce existing networks of co-operation and to create new possibilities for the promotion of mutual interests.
