Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Chairman, I am trying to be helpful, but can we take a formal decision that we ask the relevant officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to come to the committee meetings. I do not think officials from any of the Departments in Stormont have come to our meetings but we should start with our officials.

The presentations made by our three visitors have been very good. I can hear the absolute frustration in Councillor Paul Canning's voice about the delay in getting things done. The only way we can help is to bring the relevant officials before the committee and we pose the question and put forward proposals. Obviously we can write to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, requesting his support for the project as well.

Is there a timeframe for when the consultation process is due to finish?