Ms Aingeal O?Donoghue:

I will start with Senator McGahon's last question which is relevant to a number of other issues. He asked if funding will only be available for established projects or whether there is scope for new projects. From my perspective, and the Taoiseach agrees, delivering on what we have already committed to is the first priority. That is what shows that we are serious. Some of those projects, as has been mentioned, have long histories and also have complications but they are the priority for us. That said, part of this is also about developing a new agenda and new ideas. In that context, Senator Currie asked about the all-island research hub which is a very good example of a new concept and new project that we are trying to develop. That would involve creating a context, a structure and ways for researchers in academia and industry on this island to collaborate. Players involved could include Science Foundation Ireland and Universities Ireland and we would need to see funding from the Irish Government and the NI Executive as well as, potentially, the British Government. An all-island research hub is one of the examples of a potentially new and very exciting project. It will take time to roll out and deliver but it is one that we are actively pursuing with the NI Executive and the British Government.

On the greenways, the Senator made a very good point. Just this week we had a discussion with our Northern counterparts on a number of issues including greenways. One of the takeaways from that was the need to join up the plans on both sides of the Border and see what that looks like. This is something on which we can make progress.

I fully agree with regard to high-speed rail. Coming from Cork, there is a contrast between even an hourly train service from Dublin to Cork compared with trains that do not go at simple hourly intervals. Again, what we are talking about here is looking at options. What would give us maximum impact and what is feasible? Quite a few of these projects are still in the terms of reference and development phases.

In terms of the research programme, we are looking at a number of different elements. At the end of the Taoiseach's event in Dublin Castle - somebody mentioned that there were a number of stakeholder engagements - Professor Deirdre Hannon made a very strong point about the research basis we need to promote further health co-operation on the island. It is that sort of work. It could be on a sectoral basis or on the broader all-island economy. It will certainly involve climate change and biodiversity issues. We expect to see some early work around issues like climate and good jobs and what that means for the island but there will be a broader and more sustained programme of research as well.

The point about resilience and the Northern Ireland Executive is valid. What is hugely important about this period is that we have a partner in the Northern Ireland Executive and that is how we want it to stay. What I wish to mention, because it is not necessarily seen as much as it should be, is that in addition to the North-South Ministerial Council plenary which took place at the end of July, there were six different North-South Ministerial Council sectoral meetings in September, October and into early November. This sees Ministers from the North and the South meeting regularly - at present, virtually, like everything else - but developing agendas together, etc., so it is hugely important to begin to see the outworkings of the North-South Ministerial Council. If we have time, I would ask Mr. Duffy to speak more generally and also to say a few words on the research programme.