Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

For once I can agree with Deputy Ó Caoláin. On the last occasion I appointed a Government nominee from Northern Ireland to the board of NESF, Eithne McLaughlin, from Queens University. I am open to making similar appointments to other boards where there are suitable candidates. There is a benefit in having an all Ireland representation, in regard to the implementation bodies and other bodies. If there are suitable candidates in Northern Ireland, and there are many, who would bring expertise to bear, we will appoint them. In areas such as health we have worked in co-operation with people in Northern Ireland in radiological work to treat cancers. This has worked very well. We have been working closely with people in Northern Ireland. There is an all-island basis with regard to many of these issues and I am in favour of working together to address common problems.

See this speech in context