Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for the extensive response. It is possible to read between the lines of what she has said. In fairness, the Minister of State is working within the realm of existing policy with respect to potential hospital trusts within this jurisdiction. From reading between the lines I detect an openness to considering cross-Border synergies. I have no intention of putting words in the mouth of the Minister of State. A really welcome feature of the response is that there is a broad vision not only for existing policy within the Twenty-six Counties but also for determining whether we can have some form of cross-Border co-operation.

I call on all stakeholders within hospitals - there is a lot at stake and that is why we use the term "stakeholders" - to examine the broader picture. There will be turf wars, suspicion, fear and misunderstandings, but there are opportunities. There is an opportunity to provide a high-quality service in the north west. Bearing in mind that Galway, Dublin and the southern region are facilitated, the response this afternoon implies the north west will be represented in some shape or form.

I know the Ceann Comhairle will allow me to digress a little on cross-Border co-operation. Yesterday was a significant historic day for North-South relations. The North-South Interparliamentary Association, which was set up yesterday, will be the first formal mechanism to allow communities and citizens, rather than politicians, north and south of the Border to lobby and campaign through a joint mechanism. The Ceann Comhairle is co-chairman with Mr. William Hay, whose family originally comes from Donegal. I have a personal interest in the latter's geographical connections. I congratulate the two co-chairmen, who have equal status, on their vision and for pushing forward this mechanism. It will help the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and all the other Ministers interested in cross-Border synergies to pursue realistic goals. I look forward to working with the Ceann Comhairle on the body and to continuing work with the Minister of State and Minister on cross-Border synergy.

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