Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to say something as a Border Deputy. I live in County Louth. The peace process has been of considerable benefit to my county and especially the adjoining county, County Down. If one compared Dundalk with Newry, pre-Good Friday Agreement and post-Good Friday Agreement, there would be a considerable difference. Unemployment was very high. There was very little investment. Reputational damage was done to all of the areas, because of the violence and the trouble, but they have been totally transformed by the Good Friday Agreement. Obviously, business has made a considerable difference and generated considerable growth.

This is not a political comment, but I hope IBEC's message and report gets through. Deputy Conway-Walsh was present at the launch, as I was. We must ensure all the business leaders in Northern Ireland are aware of the messages IBEC made at that event, namely, that it can work, it is working and it has huge potential.

My last point is the comparison in the benefit to all the areas, both on the island of Ireland and in the UK. In the last 25 years, London aside, the greatest growth and benefit to people has been on this island. It is a hugely important message and really telling.

Deputy Conway-Walsh may go ahead.