Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Taillon for her presentation here this morning. It has been informative, and in many instances, challenging, particularly for public representatives.

What is striking is something we have always known - the effects of the recession on Border regions. In particular, unemployment has soared in those areas. In her report, Ms Taillon mentions higher than average unemployment levels and a poorly qualified workforce, low business formation rates, areas of significant poverty and deprivation, health inequalities and the legacy of the conflict. In reading the presentation, those issues jump out at me.

I refer to the legacy issues.

I was struck by Senator White's point on the Haass talks that did not succeed at that time. Is there a perception that the existence of anti-peace process groups are undermining much of the intention of the working groups? Are the delegates satisfied that the local authorities on both sides of the Border are working in harmony to try to address the deficits, be it in employment or investment in and support for small and medium sized businesses? Are both Governments doing enough in that regard? My party would be critical of the Government's oversight when it took its eye off the ball in trying to address the legacy issues.

The poorly qualified workforce was mentioned in the course of the address. Is it fair to say that the more educated people are leaving the country because of the economic situation and that is impacting on the development, both economically and politically, in Border regions?