Ms Michelle Gildernew:

I will go first, followed by Ms Begley and Mr. Brady. It is lovely to see Ms O'Donoghue again. I met her approximately 20 years ago in Belfast, which is not nearly as glamorous as Gettysburg, but we have crossed paths before. I welcome the development of the shared island unit and I welcome that the witnesses are engaging with us today. We welcome the new resources that are available. Ms O'Donoghue mentioned new money and previous commitments. It is good to hear that that money is in addition to previous commitments.

I am interested in hearing about how the unit proposes to engage. I note Mr. Duffy's reference to the engagement happening online. How do the witnesses expect to touch base with the groups? I am keen to ensure that people who do not always have a voice will have a voice in this engagement. We need to hear from those groups in communities that often are not able to articulate their point of view. How is it proposed to select groups for engagement? The people who will put their hand up will be the same ones who will always put their hand up. How we involve the people who normally do not put up their hands is the issue. I would like to hear from the witnesses regarding how they intend to engage in the future and what those meetings will look like. For example, will they be available publicly, what is the framework for them and what does the unit hope to get out of them? There is a broad piece of work going on and I would like to flesh out what that means for groups and people across the island.

On the local issue of the Ulster Canal, I also listened to the Taoiseach's speech referenced by Mr. Duffy who mentioned the matter too. There have been previous commitments in this area and some money has been spent on scoping the marina and the stretch to Clonfad. What is the next stage in this project and, if the Executive does not come up with funding in time, will the unit continue to work towards completion of that project? As we have seen, sometimes it is not that easy to get agreement in the Executive. I am concerned that because of difficulties within the Executive funding might be held up on unit's side as well. I would appreciate it if the witnesses could elaborate on those issues.