HC Deb 01 December 1993 vol 233 cc611-2W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what working party his Department participates jointly with representatives of the Irish Republic to examine ways and means of promoting greater prosperity in both parts of Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ancram

The major forum for such discussions is the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference whose objectives include working together for peace, stability and prosperity throughout the island of Ireland by promoting reconciliation, respect for human rights, co-operation against terrorism, and the development of economic, social and cultural co-operation.

Other forums include

  1. (a) the Anglo-Irish Secretariat;
  2. (b) A steering group which oversees the upgrading of the Belfast to Dublin rail link involving officials of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport, Energy and Communications, Republic of Ireland;
  3. (c) A joint steering committee on cross-border rural development in which the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland participates; and
  4. (d) A joint working party set up to deliver the Northern Ireland/Ireland Interreg programme involving officials from the Department of Finance and Personnel, Department of Education for Northern Ireland, Department of Economic Development, Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland and the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland.