Dr. Stephen Farry:

On Brexit, and picking up on Mr. O'Kane's last comments on accessibility to labour, as all present are aware, the protocol only covers the free flow of goods; it does not cover the other three of the four freedoms, that is, the service economy, capital and the movement of labour. What are the reflections of our guests in respect of the service economy in particular? Are there particular challenges of note in that regard? Building on the labour point, is there anything further they wish to say in respect of the new UK immigration policy and how difficult it will be to source labour from the European Union or elsewhere, given that Allstate in particular, as well as Seagate Technology and FinTrU, have a very diverse workforce?

My second question is also on the labour market, but entirely at the other end of the spectrum. Derry in the north west has by far the worst economic activity levels in the entire United Kingdom. From memory, close to half of the 16 to 64 age group population are not part of the labour market. How big a challenge is that in the context of developing the economy in Derry and the north west? How can that particular issue be addressed in order to ensure that we are providing opportunities for people, but also fully utilising everyone's potential for the local economy?