Ministers salute the work of the North/South Bodies

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern TD, said today that North/South co-operation is making a significant contribution to economic and social development on the island of Ireland.

Minister Ahern and Northern Secretary of State Peter Hain MP today addressed Board members, Chief Executives and staff of the North/South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland at Navan Fort Heritage Centre near Armagh.

Both Ministers praised the contribution to economic and social development made by the North/South Bodies and encouraged Board members to maintain their commitment in the future.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs said: “The work of the North/South Bodies established under the Good Friday Agreement is an example of the practical benefits of cooperation and the value of dedicated institutions to pursue these goals in the interests of all the people on the island.”

The Secretary of State said: “Common sense co-operation is in everyone's interest, North and South - if we are to compete in an increasingly global market, we will achieve more if we work together on matters of mutual interest.”

The two Ministers re-emphasised their dedication to practical North/South co-operation in matters of mutual interest and welcomed the progress that has been made.

Note to Editors

Board members, Chief Executives and staff from the following North/South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland were present at the event which was hosted by the Ministers at the Navan Fort Heritage Centre, close to Armagh City:

Inter Trade Ireland
The Food Safety Promotion Board
The Language Body which has two Agencies –
Foras Na Gaeilge and              Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch
The Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission
Waterways Ireland
Special EU Programmes Body(SEUPB)
and
Tourism Ireland

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Press Office
07 March 2006