Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. It is disappointing that since we last met this representative group there has not been progress on those key issues. At the outset, Mr. Quigley referred to Annex B of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. He mentioned in particular the extract, "The Governments continue to recognise the importance of measures to facilitate the reintegration of prisoners into the community by providing support", which goes on to refer to the importance of availing of employment opportunities, retraining, reskilling and further education. That particular clause in the Good Friday Agreement is supplemented by the St. Andrews Agreement of 2006 in the annex that states, "The Government will work with business, trade unions and ex-prisoner groups to produce guidance for employers [to] reduce barriers to employment and enhance re-integration". Those are clear messages.

I am a firm believer that when international agreements are made between governments, all aspects of the agreements should be implemented. Agreements between governments that are lodged in the United Nations should be implemented in full. Quite a number of years have passed now and it is disappointing to learn that obstacles are still being put in the way of people training. One of the current issues mentioned in the briefing notes was that of education and voluntary work. If people are to be reintegrated into society to contribute in a very positive way and to reach their potential, there is a necessity for employment training and reskilling. That leads on to employment opportunities. We have often discussed at this committee the need to ensure people have the opportunity to work and contribute to society. Barriers to education, training and employment should be removed for the good of society and for the good of individuals.

As the Chairman said, if there are some particular proposals we can pursue with Departments or statutory agencies, we should do that. Are the obstacles a matter for legislation from Westminster or can the Stormont Executive and the assembly assist in removing some of the barriers and giving some momentum to ensure people get the opportunity to get education and training and take up employment opportunities?