Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

For once I agree with the Deputy on the impact serious cutbacks can have on any area of society, particularly one in which people are under pressure. That is the reason I have had some involvement with them, albeit not as much as I would like. I hope that when I get the opportunity to travel to Belfast in the near future, I will be able to have a look at a number of issues there. However, this is the reason the Government has been highly supportive of the continuation of funding from both the European Union and the United States. It is also the reason the Government was happy to support the expansion of health services at Altnagelvin hospital in Derry and is happy to support, where appropriate, infrastructural projects that benefit both sides.

In addition, there is a number of strong examples in which a community gets involved with young people in particular, especially young males who might be tempted to take the wrong direction in life, and makes whatever impact it can. We have raised elements of this issue, as always happens between North-South ministerial colleagues, and in so far as we can encourage and assist in any way, we will be happy to so do. However, as I noted to Deputies Adams and Martin, it is a matter for the Executive to decide how it conducts its negotiations with Britain. In so far as general support is concerned, I understand the issues of depression and pressure, as well as, unfortunately, the tragic impact of suicide in a number of locations in the North where disillusionment and an absence of hope have reigned too long.

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