Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan has said that the potential for further growth in economic opportunities between Ireland and Britain continues is something which must be emphasised by the Government. Patrick O’Donovan was speaking at the start of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly where he is the only representative from Limerick.
The Assembly is meeting in the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham and will be addressed by business and political leaders including An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD. The improved relationship between the two countries following the visit of the Queen to Ireland and the upcoming State Visit by President Michael D. Higgins to Britain is expected to be discussed. The Assembly will also discuss initiatives which both countries can work together on within the European Union. Trade between both countries is currently worth over €1billion a week, and members will hear of initiatives from businesses and Government Ministers on how this value can be increased further.
The Assembly will also visit the National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge in Dublin where those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars are commemorated.