Ms Émer Deane:

I thank the Senator. In terms of that strategic focus, the Taoiseach wrote to all Ministers in February and asked each Minister to come forward with a new proposal that fits both with the overall strategic objectives of the Government and the shared islands initiative. That work is under way whereby Ministers are identifying projects. Therefore, absolutely everything we do needs to meet the overall strategic aims of the island. For instance, in terms of transport, energy and climate action, we are looking to see where there is additionality that can come through the shared island fund be that in rail, air connectivity or whatever the space is. Absolutely, we want to make sure it is integrated with overall Government priorities and that it is strategic, impactful and not sort of nice to do or on its own, but central to the national development plan. That is where it sits. It is part of the national development plan and will move forward in that way. In terms of funding and if there is money that is not spent, it is a ring-fenced €2 billion out to 2035. By 2035, €2 billion will have been spent specifically on shared island projects. There is great assurance there that it will be spent in its totality whatever way it is profiled in the years between now and then.

On the research, absolutely, we do not want the research to sit on a shelf. That was why the Taoiseach decided to look at the 16 reports that have been done already to bring them together into one overview to make sure we are actually seeing again what are the strategic objectives, what the overall picture is and how this can inform what we are doing across the initiative. Additionally, that is why the Taoiseach suggested that on an annual basis we will now do an economic survey of the island as a whole. These are again trying to get the research into spaces where it will be more useful to policymakers North and South and across the island.

On health, absolutely, it is an area of huge potential. I am aware of the case to which the Senator referred. I think it relates to CAR T-cell therapies.