22 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Finance the discussions, if any, he has had with business representatives in relation to the difficulties being experienced with the value of the punt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8103/95]

23 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Finance, in view of the urgent need to harmonise the economies of the Republic and Northern Ireland as part of the developing policy of achieving economic closeness, the need to stabilise the values of sterling and the punt to achieve this and to protect the competitiveness of Irish manufacturing companies exporting to Great Britain, if he will consider rejoining sterling or developing a stable relationship with the British currency: and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8403/95]

49 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Finance if he will assist firms facing difficulties due to the continuing high value of the punt against sterling as the Irish economy cannot sustain its position within the Exchange Rate Mechanism to the detriment of industry exports to Britain. [9410/95]

51 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance the concerns, if any, among exporters of Irish goods and services and the damage which will be caused to their positions by the unfavourable trading level of the Irish currency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8426/95]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 23, 49 and 51 together.

I am aware of the concerns of exporters trading with the UK about the situation in the foreign exchange markets. As the House is aware, the Minister for Finance has met representatives of IBEC to discuss this situation and the IBEC representatives expressed their concerns about the impact of currency market developments on the competitiveness of those sectors which are in competition with UK-based producers. The Minister has asked his officials to maintain close contact with IBEC on these issues and this is being done.

The Government is of course conscious of the potential benefits of the development of the peace process for the economy of the Border counties. In addition to increased investment in North-South programmes, such as INTERREG and the provision of EU assistance under the peace process, the prospect of peace and political stability arising from the peace process should greatly enhance the climate for business, both in Ireland generally and particularly in the Border counties.