Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)
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I have indeed. I have also driven through Border checkpoints where I have been detained for hours and had my car taken apart. As well as seeking to solve the legacy issues, we need to solve the day-to-day issues between communities North and South, which are equally important. There are the best of people of both traditions around Rostrevor and Warrenpoint and they are very keen on advancing the Narrow Water Bridge project not only for the connectivity it will give, but also for the healing it may provide. The road goes both ways. Moreover, as Deputy Smith pointed out, it will not cost a fortune. We were very nearly there on the last occasion but, in the end, the funding was not available. There are only two or three North-South projects under discussion, including the A5 project, the Narrow Water Bridge project and the canals development proposals. We need to get one or two of them across the line.

On the legacy issues, I see no call for pessimism. They are on the agenda more strongly and prominently than ever before, both publicly and privately. There is an Irish word, fadhb, which means "problem" and also refers to a knot in an oak tree.

If we can undo the knot, we will be on the way. At least we know the problem so we can work towards a solution. The witnesses and all the parties are doing great work. They have all worked hard but I was particularly proud of the Irish Government's role in Northern Ireland and it was great to see how everyone accepts working with the other parties.