HC Deb 11 May 1994 vol 243 cc175-7W
Mr. Barnes

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list all official bodies, or private bodies with official representation or funding, which supervise or advise on activities on both sides of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland giving in each case the date of the group's formation, details of representation from both sides of the border and levels of funding where appropriate.

Sir John Wheeler

Information on those official bodies established to address cross-border issues is given below. In addition, officials from both sides of the border meet regularly on matters of mutual interest.

Joint steering group—Shannon-erne waterway

A joint steering group with representation from officials from Government Departments in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was set up in November 1990 to oversee the restoration of the Shannon-Erne waterway. In Northern Ireland official representation is drawn from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Finance and the Personnel and Central Secretariat. In the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Finance, the Department of the Taioseach, the Department of Tourism and Trade, the Office of Public Works and the Electricity Supply Board are represented. The work of the Joint Steering Group is financed entirely from within the constituent departments.

Foyle Fisheries Commission

The Foyle Fisheries Commission was formed on 25 March 1952. Two members are appointed by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland—DANI —and two by the Minister for the Marine in the Republic of Ireland.

The Foyle Fisheries Commission's annual financial deficit is funded equally by DANI and by the Department of the Marine. The DANI contribution in the year ended 31 March 1994 was £131,000.

European Studies Project Steering Committee

The European Studies Project Steering Committee was established in 1985 jointly by the three Departments of Education in England, in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. Membership of the steering committee is drawn from the Departments of Education in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and from the five education and library boards in Northern Ireland, with observers from HMI in England and Scotland. The steering committee has no financial resources. Support for its multi-national inter-schools' activities is provided by the relevant Departments of Education.

Advisory Committee International Fund for Ireland and Joint Secretariat

In accordance with article 10 of the agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning the International Fund for Ireland—Cmn. 266, dated 18 September 1986—an advisory committee has been established composed of representative officials of the two Governments. The committee advises the Board of the Fund on applications for assistance. In addition to the advisory committee, a joint secretariat, composed of officials from both Governments, exists to provide the necessary administrative support to the Board of the Fund. No Government funding is involved with either body.