Mr. John Dallat, MLA:

Allow me to develop the arguments a little further. Unless one gets up on the balcony to look down on such matters, mistakes will be made. One success of the peace process in the North was the establishment of the ferry service between Greencastle and Magilligan.

Every time that ferry crosses the busy River Foyle, it has to communicate with Malin Head. Collectively, we bring people from Inishowen into the North and vice versa. We are filling empty beds in hotels and guesthouses. Apart from the hundreds of people who owe their lives to the Coast Guard personnel, there is a question of competence as well. If one takes that away, one has a problem.

We have come here today to plead as fellow citizens of this island for something that has served the citizens of Ireland in the most incredible way. It is a proud part of Irish history. In my 30 odd years in public life I never thought we would get to the stage where we would be debating its future. I am encouraged by the standard of the debate here today, with its cut and thrust. I hope the contributions will not be missed. I am honoured to be here from the North.

I wish to introduce my two colleagues. Alderman Maura Hickey will tell the joint committee something of her experiences as a local councillor. She is grateful to the Coast Guard for things that happened recently.