Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach's reply. I encourage a focus on the shared island initiative in the North and South, with particular reference to the economic benefits accruing and recognising the value of closer co-operation, building on what the Taoiseach has just referred to. There are considerable benefits associated with the sharing of the island. We should get away from the silo syndrome indicated in the results of a survey last year which showed that 62% of people in the South are negative about a united Ireland, shared island or any such arrangement on the basis of the cost. Everything has a cost. If we are serious about these matters, it is important that we give them our all in terms of support and enthusiasm and recognise the benefits accruing to us all on this shared island.

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