Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I did not discuss it with him.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Seán Power, deals with old people. It is his brief but perhaps there is an argument to extend his role to other Departments.

Climate change will become a bigger issue. It has taken up more Government time and committee time over the past number of years. Perhaps there could be someone with responsibility across Departments or a cross-departmental group. There is interaction under the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Perhaps it can be brought together in a coherent way under the Public Service Management Act. We have made strides in terms of integration. It is a matter I would examine.

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