Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome all of the delegates. Like Reverend Patton, I am from County Monaghan and fascinated by what he has said about the experiences of rural communities. On the deprivation experienced by people in east Belfast, the lack of a connection between young people and their political leaders and the lack of economic opportunities which is probably based on a lack of educational attainment, what can be done to address this problem?

On what Reverend Gribben said about shared education, I would like to share our experiences in the past 20 years south of the Border. Many years ago we had a Reverend Turtle in Ballybay, County Monaghan who thought it was very important for minorities in communities to have their own schools and a strong sense of community in order to give them a strong sense of identity. In the past 25 years, through sport and education through the VECs, the communities concerned have come together. We have a very strong Presbyterian community in Ballybay and the mid-Monaghan area and church numbers are growing. That is a positive sign that it does not matter in which jurisdiction people are; their church can be strong regardless. As Reverend Hamilton pointed out, it is a very strong all-Ireland church. Just like in Belfast, the members of the Presbyterian community in County Monaghan are strongly involved in community activities which are valued by all members of the community.

What can be done about the lack of connectivity between the political classes in Belfast and the young urban Protestant community? In terms of the peace dividend, what can be done to develop economic opportunities for everyone across Northern Ireland and in the Border counties? It is not just about a disconnection in Belfast; it also happens in peripheral rural areas north and south of the Border. What can be done to make sure people feel connected to the peace process in order that they can believe it is of benefit to them and their families and that they can be worthwhile members of society?