Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I must first say a huge thank you to Mr. Lunn and Reverend Karen for coming to the committee today. Listening to them both has been very refreshing and inspiring.

Before I make any comments I send out my solidarity to the Ballymurphy families today. I cannot even imagine how they are feeling today, with all of the stress, anxiety and work they have experienced over the past years. I want them to know I am certainly thinking of them. I commend Senator Currie on calling out the names last night in Seanad Éireann. It was very moving and I thank her for that.

The witnesses' presentations this morning were very powerful. There is no doubt that everything has changed with Brexit. Despite voting by a clear majority to remain, the fact is the North is being dragged out of the European Union against its will. This brings enormous problems and puts front and centre the question of our constitutional future. For me, the issue is around human rights. Irish citizens in the North must have equal rights. Brexit undermines this, which is a concern.

I cannot stress enough how important planning and preparation are. History has shown us that change often comes very quickly. It is simply not tenable as a political position to say we would like to wait until change picks up the phone and announces itself as on its way, setting out a clear timetable for its arrival. We must focus on planning and preparing. Listening to everyone here, I realised we are all on the same page when considering Ireland's future given the New Ireland Commission and the shared island unit. I loved Reverend Karen's comments on us all working together. Let us all work to bring everybody together to look at how we will bring about change.

The only question I have for Reverend Karen and for Mr. Lunn is around their experiences in their own communities. What is the biggest fear around this conversation? From our perspective of the Good Friday Agreement, this is what we need to hear today. What is that block and that fear? It is very important we look at how we are to go forward on this issue. I thank both of the witnesses. I really appreciate them and they are both inspire me.