Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman for his kind words of welcome and I look forward to playing a constructive role as a member. I congratulate the Minister of State on his appointment. We have worked well together in the past and I agree with Deputy Dooley that he possesses characteristics that will allow him to be an excellent Minister of State. He is coming into the position at a time of great opportunity for Ireland. We are in a good place reputationally and he will enjoy legitimacy in arguing his case with other countries facing economic difficulties.

I understand Cohesion Funding has been ring-fenced for the Border, midland and western, BMW, region but we do not yet know the exact amount we will get. It is estimated that we will receive in the region of €1 billion. What sort of process is envisaged for dealing with the money and what is the Minister of State's position in regard to it?

In regard to democratic legitimacy, what is the Minister of State's opinion on directly electing presidents of the institutions? Citizens feel a lack of connection with these areas and that nut will have to be cracked at some point.