Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor Harvey and Mr. Bassett for their presentation. My question relates to the broader role of the institutions, some of which were key players in the formation and creation of the Good Friday Agreement while others are part of the outworking of the agreement itself. In the interim as we journey towards constitutional change, what role can the institutions, such as here in the Oireachtas, play to give voice to unionist and other traditions? Seanad by-elections are due to be held soon, and while I am not asking our guests to comment on the finer details of that issue, it affords us a unique opportunity via the Seanad to amplify unionist and other voices here. I am keen to hear our guests' views on the importance of the institutions acting in that respect in the here and now.

One of the other key institutions that was mentioned, not just in respect of the development of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement but which has also been vocal and active in the ongoing discussion on constitutional change, is the US Congress. I am keen to hear our guests' views on what unique role the US could play in assisting and developing those conversations and the work towards constitutional change. The Seanad Special Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union recently heard from Congressman Richard Neal, the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means and the co-chairman of the Friends of Ireland caucus on Capitol Hill, and it was a very valuable contribution. In referring to the broader institutions, Professor Harvey and Mr. Bassett might comment on what they consider to be the key role for the US.