Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 623: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the work of the North-South unit in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34219/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There is no North-South unit, as such, in my Department. However, close contact is maintained by my Department with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with regard to North-South matters. The impact of policy decisions on North-South relations is considered by my Department when submitting memoranda for proposals requiring Government decisions. In addition, any requests for assistance from my Department are dealt with by the relevant lead Department, depending on the nature of the assistance required.