Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
937. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 218 of 24 October 2012, the way the corporate affairs division of his Department coordinates north south matters; the proportion of time each grade allocates to North South matters in view of the fact that agriculture is a designated area of cooperation under the Good Friday Agreement. [48556/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a North South coordinator at Assistant Principal level working in Corporate Affairs Division. The role of this AP is, among other things, to develop common areas of co-operation between my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland and to identify possible new areas of cooperation. The work is carried out through contact with other Departments and the North-South Joint Secretariat. There is also ongoing contact with other Divisions within my Department that are closely involved in North-South co-operation.
The AP reports to a Principal Officer and is assisted by a Higher Executive Officer and Clerical Officer. The amount of time spent on this work varies depending on the issues that arise during the year.
