Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Has the Taoiseach had discussions with the Unionist parties in the North about their participation in the consultative forum? Can they identify what is the actual blockage that is preventing the setting up of the forum, which I would support? Following on from the Taoiseach's comments about currency, which is of course a matter for governments, and stepping back a little, does he see the possibility of the consultative forum making recommendations in other areas, such as health? Both Governments missed a great opportunity, in the run-up to the Good Friday Agreement and since then, to deal with cross-Border, all-island health issues. I refer to the possibility of relationships between Altnagelvin and Letterkenny hospitals or Enniskillen and Sligo hospitals for cancer treatment, cardiac treatment or anything else. There appears to be a missed opportunity there.

Would the Taoiseach agree that if the consultative forum were to discuss issues such as this, it might lead to agreement between both Governments that it is a small island and that specialist facilities in certain areas could be provided on a cross-Border basis? There could be one in Altnagelvin and one in Letterkenny, for example. Does the Taoiseach see the consultative forum as having a possible impact in terms of leading the Governments to make decisions in such areas, which would be to the benefit of people North and South and communities on all sides?

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