Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentation. It is powerful listening to all of them. Their expertise and experience are valuable and vital to this committee, especially on this subject. We hope to bring out a report and it is important we hear the recommendations of the ESRI. I am glad we are having this conversation in the Oireachtas. I say this because I believe these conversations are being had in communities and around kitchen tables all over this country. This is hopeful and exciting. I found all the contributions the witnesses made to the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, of which Senator Mark Daly was the driver, fantastic. It is great we can expand on that today.

I have several questions, and I will start with the education aspect. I would love it if the witnesses could give us a few recommendations in their answers as well. Dr. Bergin and Dr. McGuinness mentioned earlier the differences in academic attainment between the North and South. I found that information fascinating, to be honest. It was mentioned that academic selection exacerbates socioeconomic disparities. Will the witnesses elaborate some more on this point and take some time to really expand on it?

While I have the witnesses here, I also wish to ask them about the Windsor Framework. Much has been made of the potential economic benefits this could provide for Northern Ireland. I cannot ask the witnesses to predict the future, but has their work in the area provided them with any sense of how the North's economy could be impacted by these developments?