Niall Blaney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Renwick for his report. It is a very interesting perspective. We need many perspectives in this conversation. We have had some but not enough and this input is very welcome. The few scenarios thrown about are interesting with regard to planning before a referendum, having a referendum and planning for afterwards. I would like to see more beef in the bowl on this and the thinking around it.

There is a train of thought about the possibility of the Secretary of State bouncing the question on us before planning is done or in the middle of the process of planning. What are the witnesses' views on this? Is it likely? Is it possible? The other issue we have is that the committee is meant to be cross-party but we do not have any unionist party taking part. We also lack engagement generally in the conversation from the unionist community. What are the views of the witnesses on this? How best do we engage with unionism to hear their views on this? We need to get them to the table. Is a citizens' assembly the way to get their view? Should we do more than this? I would like to get the views of the witnesses on this.