Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his comment and agree with him. I hope that if outstanding issues are resolved, we could create a platform for further investment in the economy of Northern Ireland. Historically, it has not done as well as other regions on the island. The cessation of violence and the Downing Street Declaration helped economic development in the North and it has improved significantly. There is, however, no doubt that maintaining access to the European Single Market and the UK market is of huge importance to the Northern Ireland economy. There can be a win-win situation if these issues can be resolved.

As the population of the island of Ireland is growing, the more seamless economic development we create, the greater opportunities there will be, North and South. I recently met representatives of InterTradeIreland. I was impressed at the increased trade between North and South, which creates jobs in both Finglas and Northern Ireland.

See this speech in context