Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A massive number came from the north-west development area. We were up there recently and that emerged in the work. The Senator is right in saying it is no wonder because there are major issues with connectivity there. Funding is there for the A5. Everyone I speak to seems to say there are planning processes and public inquiries. We are ready to go and the money is there to progress the A5. We are very interested in hearing what we can do with Enniskillen hospital and how we could be of assistance.

Mobility is very important and we must do some work in the Republic of Ireland around migrants, for example. I met representatives from the North West Migrants Forum briefly at the John and Pat Hume Foundation event. We are doing further examination of that and people should not have any fear that if they come into the Republic of Ireland from the North, there would somehow be a challenge to them because of status or whatever.

The Nationality and Borders Bill 2022 is completely different and it involves people from all states. It has not been finalised and the debate is continuing within Westminster. It has not yet been passed. We are engaging with the British Government to try to change this with a view to ensuring it does not interfere with mobility on the island.

It could be very damaging to Northern Ireland, to tourism there and to a whole range of issues that have clearly not been foreseen, such as educationalists coming in. Aspects of life could be hindered.