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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Mar 2000

Vol. 517 No. 2

Written Answers. - North-South Co-operation.

John Bruton

Ceist:

56 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, he has in respect of the proposals for co-operation in the common chapter of the national development plan which deals with North-South co-operation in view of the fact that the North-South institutions are not fully operational due to the suspension of the Northern Executive. [8693/00]

The common chapter in the national development plan was drafted in agreement with the Northern Ireland authorities. It sets out a range of areas which both sides agree are suitable for cross-Border co-operation. The Community Support Frameworks for Ireland and Northern Ireland currently under negotiation with the European Commission will also contain proposals for North-South co-operation consistent with the common chapter.

In addition, the PEACE Operational Programme 2000-2004 and the North-South Interreg Community Initiative 2000-2006 will also contain significant financial EU co-funded provisions in the area of North-South co-operation. The special EU programmes body will be the managing authority for both the PEACE OP and Interreg.

Overall, therefore, I am confident that over the period to 2006 tangible expression will be given to the proposals for North-South co-operation set out in the common chapter of the national development plan.

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