Mr. Paul Clancy:

The Succeed North West campaign, to which Ms Begley referred, was run in Belfast in November. We are planning to have an event in Strabane on 4 or 5 February next year. The campaign is about considering inward investment and encouraging people from all over Ireland, but particularly those in the Belfast region who went to the gig in Belfast, to come to Strabane to see what is happening, with a view to encouraging them to invest and grow. We are working very closely with the Strabane BID team, chaired by Mr. Kieran Kennedy, to sell what is going on in Strabane, particularly regarding the city deal, and to generate an air of optimism and opportunity for business.

On the specific question on the protocol, our feeling, which we hear from certain investors, is that, because of the uncertainty that exists, many businesses seeking to invest in the region are holding back a little until they have clarity regarding the protocol. They want more stability and to know exactly what the future outlook will be. That seems to be the main issue. I have heard of one or two companies in Strabane - but one in particular - that did move, but there are one or two others whose representatives I have spoken to that would also like to do so but that are a little uncertain. The sooner we can have a stable approach on a way forward from an executive point of view, the sooner we will see much more opportunity.

From speaking to people in Dublin, I note that they are also looking north to see the opportunities and the marketing plan we have for the region. There may be a unique opportunity for southern businesses to gain access. It is very difficult for people to have these conversations until they have clarity on the future. There is a great opportunity not only to look into this but also to make a business case for it. The shared island unit and the associated co-operation can help us to pull that business case together.