Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree with that. In addition to providing policy advice on economic and other areas, Professor Clinch advises me on the process of integrating policies across different Departments, in anticipation of the challenges posed by the international environmental policy agenda. He has a level of expertise in this area, but also in economics generally. His particular expertise is an indication of the priority that we attach to the issue, as it assists us to meet a challenging agenda.

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