Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Cussen. As outlined by him this project is without doubt one of the most exciting this country will see for many years to come. I hope Mr. Cussen will forgive my impertinence but we are in public session and I believe the public has a right to know a little more about Mr. Cussen the man.

I am aware of Mr. Cussen's former position in the Department of Education and Skills. I know also about his involvement in the Dublin Airport Authority project, which was a major construction project. I note Mr. Cussen's reference to his membership of boards both in Ireland and overseas. This project is unique in so far as it brings together a number of different Departments within the government structure, namely, the Departments of Education and Skills, Health and Justice and Equality and the community, which is exciting. However, as Mr. Cussen will be aware, Departments do not often get on well together. As chairman of the agency, Mr. Cussen will have to deal with many barriers in that regard and find ways to deal around them. As I said, I think the public has a right to know a little more about Mr. Cussen the man. I would appreciate if Mr. Cussen would address those issues.