Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. This is the third time I have raised this matter with the Tánaiste. I accept that he accepts its importance but I must express a degree of disappointment that whereas he stated correctly it is a matter for the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, as to whether such an envoy is appointed he has not actively engaged with her on the issue. I would encourage the Tánaiste to open up active negotiations because we must lobby strongly for this appointment. We might look across the Border at an unemployment level of 7.3% or 7.4% and be somewhat envious of that position but nonetheless we are conscious of the fact that within certain enclaves of the Six Counties there is endemic unemployment-----

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