§ Mr. Flanneryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress to date in fulfilling the aims of the Anglo-Irish agreement.
§ Mr. Tom KingWe have made significant progress in a number of areas, although it would be unrealistic to expect to achieve all the aims of the agreement rapidly. I welcome in particular progress in enhancing cross-border security co-operation. Work is also continuing on both the policy aspects of extradition and on the search for measures to enhance public confidence in the administration of justice in Northern Ireland. In addition, I have told the Irish Government that the United Kingdom Government intend to take legislative action to apply the provisions which govern the franchise for parliamentary elections throughout the United Kingdom to local government and Assembly elections in Northern Ireland. I have indicated a number of specific areas for possible future development of the Irish language, and agreed to explore further with the Irish Government the best way of improving the road link between Newry and Dundalk. The joint statements issued after each meeting of the intergovernmental conference record in more detail the matters discussed with the Irish Government.