Dan Wallace
Ceist:41 Mr. D. Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he is taking to encourage greater North-South co-operation across the entire spectrum of State institutions and agencies. [3874/97]
Written Answers - North-South Co-operation.
It is the policy of the Government to promote cross-Border economic and social co-operation at all levels and in all areas. I have actively pursued this policy at every opportunity, most particularly at the level of co-operation between Departments and State institutions and agencies where the Government has direct responsibility.
Most recently at the Anglo-Irish Conference on 12 March, together with the Minister for Tourism and Trade, we reviewed with the Secretary of State and Baroness Denton North-South co-operation between the respective Departments, as well as between agencies such as the two tourist boards and An Bord Tráchtála and the IDB.
Anglo-Irish conferences have in recent years involved an increasing focus on North-South economic, social and cultural co-operation. This ongoing process has either initiated or facilitated an increase in co-operation between a large number of agencies.
In addition to the mechanisms under the Anglo-Irish Agreement my Department also has direct responsibility for the implementation of a programme of co-operation between public bodies under the European Union Special Programme for Peace and Reconciliation. Under this programme projects have been approved which will involve new or increased co-operation between agencies and local authorities in a wide range of areas including, health, education, tourism, sport, geological survey, fisheries and training for employment.
It is also right to pay tribute to the various non-governmental agencies and individuals who are active in North-South co-operation, whose work we support and encourage.