Ms Órfhlaith Begley:

For those who do not know me, I am the MP for West Tyrone. I almost feel as though I should be considered the next generation as well, given that I am the same age as Mr. Hughes. I am approaching 30 this year. The work of this committee is concerned with considering the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Like many others involved in this meeting, I was only a child when the agreement was signed. I am part of that generation that has benefited from the peace process.

I find it disappointing that we have reached this stage without the full implementation of the agreement. Many elements of the agreement are still to be realised. I refer particularly to human rights and to having a bill of rights for the North. A committee has been established in the Assembly to deal with that aspect. An integral part of the peace process as a whole, though, is to ensure that we have equality for all citizens. Unfortunately, there is a rights deficit in the North. For example, England and Scotland have an Equality Act, whereas the North does not even have that, never mind a bill of rights. Therefore, there is still a great deal of work to do. As the next generation of politicians, our work is cut out for us to ensure we see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Reference was made to the ongoing constitutional conversation. Of course, the Agreement provides for a peaceful and democratic pathway through which to hold a referendum. It is fair to say that, despite the varying opinions in this respect, a legitimate conversation is under way throughout the island of Ireland. Many people are engaging in the conversation who perhaps might not have done so before. Ultimately, however, it will be for the people of this island to decide their own future through a potential referendum. On that point, I would like the views of the witnesses regarding the establishment an all-island citizens' assembly. That could include not only the constitutional conversation, but also many of the issues mentioned in the contributions. I refer to climate change, healthcare services and education. It would be an opportunity for citizens to engage as a whole.

I am delighted that Mr. Hughes has attended. To pose a direct question to him, does he think that an all-island citizen' assembly would help to engage those who may identify as unionists to become involved in the debate concerning future constitutional change? Those are my questions and Mr. Brady will follow me.