Strengthening Cross-Border Relations

Policy Proposal on Strengthening Cross-Border Relations

Objective

As a member of the Seanad I will work with members of the upper house, contribute to parliamentary debates and used my membership to sponsor private members bills in order to foster dialogue, collaboration, and mutual prosperity across the island of Ireland by addressing legal, economic, and societal challenges while reinforcing the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA). There are post-Brexit challenges, however by adopting visionary and practical approaches, we can make desirable progress.

Key Policy Areas

1. Promoting Peacebuilding and Economic Cooperation

• All-Island Economic Partnerships:
  Support initiatives that enhance trade, investment, and shared infrastructure projects across the border, focusing on mutually beneficial sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, and agriculture.
• Community-Driven Peacebuilding Initiatives:
  Invest in grassroots projects that foster dialogue and reconciliation, particularly in border communities affected by historical divisions.
• Cross-Border Crime Prevention Campaigns:
  Launch all-island awareness campaigns targeting issues such as domestic violence, hate crimes, and anti-social behaviour. These campaigns should include culturally sensitive materials for diverse communities, including migrants and asylum seekers.

2. Strengthening Educational and Research Partnerships

• Cross-Border Educational Collaboration:
  Continue to support initiatives like the Centre for Economics, Policy and History (CEPH), a partnership between Trinity College Dublin and Queen’s University Belfast, to promote joint research and academic exchanges.
• Scholarship and Mobility Programmes: Advocate for the expansion of cross-border scholarship programmes and student mobility initiatives to foster greater understanding and integration between young people from both jurisdictions.
• Workforce Development: Develop cross-border vocational training and apprenticeship schemes, addressing skills shortages in key sectors such as construction, healthcare, and technology.

3. Advancing Social Cohesion

• Cultural and Sporting Exchange Programmes: Promote cross-border cultural and sporting events to strengthen community ties and encourage interaction between residents of both jurisdictions.
• Support for Marginalised Communities: Ensure that initiatives specifically address the needs of marginalised groups, including migrants, asylum seekers, and those living in disadvantaged border regions.
• All-Island Civic Forums: Establish regular forums where representatives from both jurisdictions can engage in dialogue about shared challenges and opportunities, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.

4. Cross-Border Legal and Judicial Collaboration

• Mutual Recognition of Court Orders: Work towards the establishment of mechanisms for the automatic recognition and enforcement of key court orders, including:
  • Family law court orders (e.g., child custody and maintenance).
  • Domestic violence protection orders.
  • Warrants for hate crimes.
  • Small claims and other civil judgments.
• Enhancing Cooperation Between Judicial Authorities: explore initiatives to strengthen collaboration between judicial bodies in the North and the South to streamline cross-border legal processes and improve efficiency in recognising and enforcing court orders.
• Data Sharing and Communication: Promote secure data-sharing systems between legal and enforcement agencies on both sides of the border to support cross-border crime prevention and resolution.

Proposed Implementation Steps

Phase 1: Policy Development and Stakeholder Engagement (0–12 Months)

• Establish a working group comprising representatives from both governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and local communities.
• Identify priority areas for cross-border legal recognition, economic collaboration, and educational partnerships.

Phase 2: Pilot Programmes and Initial Implementation (12–36 Months)

• Pilot mutual recognition of specific court orders, such as domestic violence protection orders, in selected border regions.
• Launch cross-border vocational training schemes targeting areas with high unemployment.
• Begin the rollout of community-driven peacebuilding initiatives, focusing on reconciliation projects in border areas.

Phase 3: Evaluation and Expansion (36+ Months)

• Evaluate the impact of pilot programmes and campaigns, using feedback from participants and data on cross-border activity.
• Scale successful initiatives across the island, ensuring sustained funding and support.

Expected Outcomes

1. Improved Cross-Border Legal Frameworks:
   Greater efficiency in recognising and enforcing court orders, enhancing justice and victim protection.
2. Economic Growth and Collaboration:
   Increased trade, investment, and job creation through strengthened economic partnerships.
3. Enhanced Social Cohesion:
   Stronger community ties and reduced tensions between border regions, fostering a more unified Ireland.
4. Educational Advancements:
   Broadened opportunities for students and researchers through cross-border collaborations and mobility programmes.

Conclusion

This policy leverages the principles of the Good Friday Agreement to address shared challenges, promote integration, and create opportunities across the island of Ireland. By strengthening cross-border relations, it aims to build a more prosperous, cohesive, and unified society.