Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Watters and Mr. Maguire. This has been a good meeting. Our guests had a story to tell and they told it well. They have also opened up the minds of many of the members present. In the world in which we live, it is sometimes very much a case of reacting and engaging in fire-fighting exercises. As a result, we do not get the space to consider matters. However, our guests have given us that space this morning. Their contributions and those of members have been of value. I thank Ms Watters and Mr. Maguire for both their contributions and for making us think about the issues raised.

Before we go into private session, I wish to make one comment. This is an implementation body and on occasion it does not actually take account of that which it is implementing. Senator McAleese correctly pointed out that last Friday's inaugural meeting of the North-South Inter-Parliamentary Association was a historic occasion. Establishment of the association was one of the outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement. This committee is an implementation body in respect of the Agreement and we should take stock of that. Furthermore, the contributions and participation at this meeting has been significant. A total of 16 members were present for the meeting and ten made contributions. It is worth noting that there is an enthusiasm to drive the agenda set out by our guests at community level, whether it be in respect of outstanding issues such as the bill of rights, the Irish language or other issues relating to the Good Friday Agreement. The job of this committee is to drive such matters forward.

I acknowledge the contributions made by our guests and I thank members for theirs. I also thank Ms Watters and Mr. Maguire for providing upfront and honest perspectives and for highlighting the challenges that exist for this committee.