Vol. 528 No. 3
73 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of meetings she has held with her ministerial counterpart in the Northern Ireland Executive; the topics that were discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30366/00]
I have held a number of meetings with my counterpart, Sir Reg Empey, the Northern Ireland Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
I met with Sir Reg Empey in Dublin on 7 December 1999 where we discussed a wide range of matters of common interest in the energy sector including the upgrading of the North-South electricity interconnector, co-operation and matters in the environment-energy area and possible new gas infrastructures.
I had a further meeting in Belfast on 8 September this year. The topics covered were a proposed North-South energy study, developments in the natural gas sector including future gas pipeline infrastructure North and South, the issue of a proposed new electricity plant at Coolkeeragh, and electricity interconnection between the two parts of the island.
I have also met Sir Reg Empey at North-South Ministerial Council meetings in Armagh on 13 December 1999 and in Dublin on 26 September 2000.
I received a Northern Ireland cross-party delegation from the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly in Dublin on 23 November 2000 to discuss energy matters.
On next Tuesday 19 December 2000, I am travelling to Belfast to attend a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council where, inter alia, transport issues are to be discussed.
