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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

G8 leaders visiting border counties

Summary

Seamus Kirk asks whether G8 leaders attending the Northern Ireland summit might visit Border counties or the Republic; the Taoiseach says they would be welcome and arrangements may be considered.

As it has been decided that the G8 meeting next year is to be held in County Fermanagh, does the Taoiseach have plans to invite some of the world leaders to visit some Border counties at the least or to go further south next year? As The Gathering initiative will be under way, this clearly would be an opportunity to add to it.

Comment on this
Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Is there some Standing Order about which I do not know?

Comment on this

Has any thought been given to this suggestion?

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Prime Minister Cameron informed me of his intention to hold the G8 summit in Northern Ireland some time ago. I am unsure whether any of the leaders want to put the golf clubs into the back of the aeroplane and perhaps play a round of golf somewhere down here. They would be very welcome. As the Deputy is aware, we have invited the entire world here as part of The Gathering.

Comment on this

They should be taken to Parknasilla.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

While I am unsure what the leaders' schedules will be like, we will see what applies in that regard. If they wish to visit some of the facilities, industries, businesses or whatever, the Government will be very happy to accommodate them.

Comment on this

Hopefully the Taoiseach will do a better job in shaking them down when they come, rather than when he goes to Brussels.

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