Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will now discuss public policy, equal opportunities and challenges in relation to the constitutional future of the island of Ireland. I welcome all of our participants in this part of the session where we will look at those economic challenges and opportunities and at societal challenges as well. On behalf of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, I welcome all of the contributors and thank them for the great work they have put into this important topic. We will begin with the Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, which, as members will be aware, produces independent, high-quality research on matters of public policy. Today, it will look at many of the areas that are foremost in people's thoughts when they think about an issue of constitutional change. They are also very concerned about many issues in relation to the education and healthcare systems and the economy in general.

I welcome Dr. Alan Barrett, who will make introductory remarks on behalf of the ESRI; Dr. Seamus McGuinness, who will make a statement on the economy; Dr. Adele Bergin, who will make a statement about education; Dr. Sheelah Connolly, who will speak about the issue of health; and Dr. Martina Lawless, who will talk about the issue of trade. We will begin with Dr. Barrett.