Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit as teacht os comhair an choiste.

My first question relates to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, NISRA, being the statistical body in the North. The Minister of State mentioned the work he is doing with regard to businesses, etc., and the economy. It obviously comprises the information in the North and the CSO is a southern equivalent. I am aware that funding was allocated as part of the national development plan, NDP, for shared island projects. I am interested to know if there are any plans for closer integration of the work of these two statistical agencies. We are an all-island economy and having access to all-island data that is comparable is important. It should be accessible to everyone.