Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Sheridan and Dr. Soares for their comments. This committee has committed to having a series of engagements and meetings on the Brexit issue as it evolves. As Brexit develops it would be useful if we met the Centre of Cross Border Studies on a regular basis, given the research the organisation has undertaken. It would help our engagements to be a bit more informed or as best informed as we can.

In terms of my questions, a growing consensus has emerged in the North on the democratic aspiration and vote that the majority wish to remain. There is a growing consensus about a special status for the North to remain within the EU along with the rest of Ireland. Can Dr. Soares tell me whether there are similar examples for us to consider in terms of best practice or adopting the position?

A legal challenge is under way. I shall not ask anybody to pre-empt the legal challenge because none of us can do so. I would like to hear the views of the witnesses on the potential outcome. Is there a mechanism available? There is potential to undermine the Good Friday Agreement. Can a legal challenge prohibit or allow for the retention of the Six Counties to remain in the EU?

Many colleagues have talked about the trade issues and the movement of people, which is very fundamental in terms of concerns. The other issue for us, as Mr. Sheridan will be acutely aware, is the importance of PEACE funding and the impact it has on communities and the stability of the peace process. We must look at the evidence available. The Government in London has already cut £4 billion from the block grant. I do not see it stepping in to replenish funds that we will lose from the EU, whether that is in the form of capital or in other ways. I ask Mr. Sheridan to speak more about the impact the loss of PEACE funding will have on issues of political stability, peace building and moving forward.