Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not aware of that but Dr. Boland's narrative is a real one, which I accept. It is important for us to analyse and support the view that the system needs to improve, and if we have a unitary system or federation, that it is the best of both systems and that we work to improve it.

On another point, there are significant differences between North and South. Has Dr. Boland written or commented on those? For example, benefits for old age pensioners and the unemployed are significantly higher in the South. There are lots of good things in our system.