Ms Naoimh McNamee:

I am sure the committee is aware that, as Mr. Hynes stated, we are an independent not-for-profit organisation. Although we gratefully receive the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs, it is important for us to protect that independence. We do not represent people but it is important to hold that safe space and protect that relationship. I know members of the committee appreciate that. I echo what Mr. Hynes has stated. There is a need for as many of those opportunities as possible for contact and engagement but they have to be in a safe environment and carefully crafted. It is a process and there are things that happen, such as legislation or tweaks that have been taken out of context, that can set that back but it is a commitment to continuing to build those relationships and that trust. There is a significant amount of creativity and innovation in this area of work. There are various mechanisms and methods of doing that, be it through creative arts, sport or other ways of bringing people together and building trust. For example, there is bringing young people together in respect of general issues of concern to them relating to the environment, opportunity or things like that to build trust in order that they can then start to engage with one another on some of the more sensitive and difficult issues. Senator McGreehan has raised important points, as did Senator Blaney. There is much focus on the wonderful achievements of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement, and rightly so, but we need to stay focused on now and the future, as well as drawing lessons from the past. There was a certain amount of complacency with regard to the importance of those relationships and trust. Things that are seen as being on the softer side are really the glue that holds it all together.

Partnership is also key. We partner extensively with a range of organisations in the North at all levels of community. These organisations are holding society in the North together in the absence of a functioning government there at the moment. It is about support and opportunities to engage, as well as a recognition that it is no longer just green and orange. There is not just an emerging middle ground of political views but also of ethnicities and background. Those coming from other conflict zones across the world have a lot to add to the conversation and can add perspective. There is a need to recognise that.

As regards our organisation, while the political dialogue programme run by Mr. Hynes and his colleagues is a fundamental part of who we are, we also have a very strong programme relating to women's leadership which is in line with UN Resolution 1325. Members will note that Mr. Hynes is flanked by women. There is an argument that women often have a bit of an edge when it comes to peace building but we will not comment on that today. There is also our interculture and refugee programme. I mentioned peace education and the learning. When we were in Belfast for the 25th anniversary events, which were also attended by some of those present, I was reminded of the incredibly difficult lessons people had to learn to get to the point that was reached. I refer to trying to help the younger generation to understand the importance of the softer or human side, trust building and the patience that is required for that. There is also a need to recognise the innovation and creativity of some of the younger generation. There are many layers and pieces there. It is kind of like a spider's web. One can tap into different elements that are needed at different times. It is about looking at it in that big picture view but with a commitment to the important quiet spaces and the series of dialogues. That has to be dynamic and reactive in terms of what is going on or the needs of those with whom we work. We are very much rooted in the principle of co-design. We hold firm to the idea of us being mediators and facilitators and walking alongside people. There is significant opportunity for the committee to engage and tap into those networks and relationships but it is a process. I am grateful for the support our organisation has enjoyed through the almost 50 years it has been in being and, I have no doubt, will enjoy in the future.