Enda Kenny TD and Joe McHugh TD launch Fine Gael Border Forum's 10 point action plan on border employment

Fine Gael Border Forum Chairperson Joe McHugh TD has challenged the Government to respond to the Fine Gael Border Forum 10 point action plan on border employment with a meaningful programme for creating employment in the region.

Speaking this afternoon (Tuesday) Deputy McHugh said:

“Today Fine Gael’s Border Forum has put forward an ambitious 10 point action plan to boost regional enterprises including tourism, food, and energy production. The report and the strong attendance at today’s launch illustrate Fine Gael’s commitment to boosting this region.

“Fine Gael proposes a joint Irish/British tourism visa, which would allow international tourists to visit the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland on one visa. The border region must be part of a full 9-county Ulster tourism product.

“Fine Gael proposes that Enterprise Ireland and IDA work jointly with Invest NI to attract new foreign companies to the border region. Currently this State’s enterprise agencies compete against Invest NI. This does not help the border region. The region badly needs foreign direct investment.

“Fine Gael wants FÁS and Northern Ireland Training & Employment Agency (T&EA) to each offer training courses to unemployed people from both sides of the border. The border must not be a barrier for people from this region who need to upskill.

”The Government must respond to this Fine Gael Border Forum draft report by implementing a meaningful and clear programme for creating jobs in the region.”

The report was launched by Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny in Cavan this afternoon.