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

I know the Minister of State is pressed for time. He will have noted that brevity is alien to this committee but it reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of the members and shows their personal interest in North-South relations. I commend all members on their ongoing personal interest in the work and their endeavours through their party structures. The interest and enthusiasm is a reflection of the current situation in Northern Ireland which has become a changed place. I agree there are challenges such as legacy issues. This committee visited Derry which is a changed place. The Minister of State will know this from his interest in Derry. I refer to the legacy of the Fleadh Cheoil and the city of culture events which have made Derry a changed place. It was a privilege and delight to be there as a member of this committee, to hear about the success of the events of 2013. People were also talking about the future. This committee wants to be part of that change but not because we want to make ourselves feel good. Deputy Martin Ferris summed it up that people need to see the economic dividend of the peace process, not just symbolic projects such as the Narrow Water bridge and the A5 road. We know the economic dividends which these major projects bring to that part of the island. I acknowledge the Minister of State's reflection about the North-South Ministerial Council's change in focus and direction to look specifically at economic projects. The north-west gateway is firmly back on the agenda. As noted during our trip to Derry this agenda is not exclusive to one city but it will include the entire region and a widespread population.

The Minister of State is under time pressure.

He will not have time to go into every observation, but his summation will undoubtedly reflect the mood of the committee. I thank him and his officials for their attendance at this meeting.