Dr. Alan Barrett:

The issue comes up regularly enough, namely, the question around whether it would be possible to have shared approaches to various public services across the island and whether there would be a great benefit. Often what drives that thinking is the notion that there could be economies of scale. These things are much more likely to be available for exploitation in the health area. Specialisation is important is health. We know that from the centres of excellence providing cancer care and whatever else. I can imagine it across health systems. I can think of examples. When it comes to education, most kids are taught in the locality and that makes perfect system. We have to move up the system. I can imagine a situation for courses at university level. It can be argued that not all universities can offer all courses to the highest level possible. I can imagine specialisations across various areas. It is around specialisation and economies of scale rather than standard delivery. The delivery of standard public services are often done best at a more local level rather than nationally.