Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I appreciate that. I want to say a huge "thank you" to Professor Todd and Dr. McEvoy. They are doing phenomenal work. I feel bad that this is the first time I am hearing about it. It is wonderful to hear about the work they have been involved in and the research they have done over the last three years. I thank them most sincerely because it is such important work. I have two questions. First, what inspired the witnesses to start this phenomenal work? What were the numbers of participants, if that is possible to answer? It feels like the participants really wanted discussions. I hear what the witnesses said about it being a bottom-up process that was reflective of lived experiences and real problems on the island. That is absolutely key for people on this island. The fact participants were concerned with socioeconomic issues and not simply institutional ones is so important.

The other question is around the shared island initiative, which is doing phenomenal work. Is this something the witnesses see the shared island unit taking up the baton of, along with them? Is that what they would like? Do they want the shared island unit to come in and continue this work along with them? There are three questions there if that is okay.