Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It was powerful to listen to the presentations. I was quite moved by the feeling of unity, particularly among the Border communities. As one Senator said, it is the first time one can feel that sense of unity and power in numbers. As the Acting Chairmanl noted, we are members of the Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. If any of the representatives want us to do anything, they should keep in contact with us. They can reach us by email at any time.

Tourism is a big issue. From my experience of my father coming from the North and from travelling back and forth to north Antrim from a very young age, I realise how beautiful the coastline is from Carlingford all the way up. It is beautiful in north Antrim and the Glens of Antrim. I was in Newry in the Mourne Mountains at the weekend. It is a beautiful area. It does my heart good to see cars travelling up there, particularly Southern cars going up and enjoying the beauty. The fear is it will be stopped again as a result of Brexit. It is a huge fear and anxiety. It is really powerful to see all the representatives here. We will do everything in our power to support the local authorities. It is absolutely crucial. I encourage them to keep their feet on the pedal, to stay where they are today and keep on this path. I hope we can work alongside them and we will do our best to support them as best we can. I thank them for coming.