Mr. Stuart Anderson:

I thank Senator Gallagher for his question. Yes, it is a unique trading position but it is a unique trading position that was not designed with business and something that business is trying to make the most of. There are challenges in both directions. The GB to NI challenges are the ones we hear most about, but there is also the challenge that we cannot see markets in isolation. We have the market of the UK, the market of Europe and then our export markets as well, for example, Northern Ireland producers producing raw materials that are then manufactured in the Republic of Ireland and exported into the international markets. Those NI origin products no longer benefit from EU free trade agreements, FTAs, for example, so there is a challenge there in our access in the direction of the EU and then, obviously, as I mentioned, the challenges with GB.

That said, there are real opportunities. Certainly, Invest NI has been doing its job in trying to market Northern Ireland as a place in which to invest and has done a good job on that. Senator Gallagher touched on an issue that is a difficult one for business organisations because, ultimately, all we want to do is create a place where there is prosperity by trying to open up the trade routes in either direction in and out of Northern Ireland. Our sole focus has therefore been on trying to eradicate the barriers in either direction, and we understand the political challenges with that. I made this point at the start of my introductory remarks when I referred to the fact that the Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group has a very united message, and it is a united message for one reason: we want to be able not only to protect our businesses and our households but also to attract investment.

The first thing is to try to avoid any risk of instability. I refer to that perception of instability. I spoke to a member of the Confederation of British Industry, CBI, approximately three weeks ago about a potential investor considering Northern Ireland as a place to set up in terms of the barrier free trade that was spoken about. The investor was put off by the perceived instability.

It is a message to business organisations to continue to do what they are trying to do and to everyone involved in the process to try to work as best they can to find the solutions to the challenges we face. It is a loss of potential job opportunities which could otherwise bring stability in the longer term in the framework we have.

Is it a unique opportunity that makes Northern Ireland a great place to invest? Yes, in some respects, but the challenges are not insignificant. Over the next few months, everybody has a job to do in terms of stability and in ensuring Northern Ireland is the place businesses want to invest in.