24 Ean 2013, 17:30
The Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement met with Glyn Roberts, CEO of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association.
24 January 2013
Mr Roberts asserted that, despite the disruptions of the past few weeks, Belfast remained a vibrant and safe city for tourists.
Urging a swift political resolution to the Union flag dispute, Mr Roberts outlined to the Committee a short and vigorous marketing campaign designed primarily to get locals shopping and dining in the city once again.
Chairman of the Committee Joe McHugh TD, says: “Our Committee has been extremely concerned over the past two months at violent protests over the flying of the Union flag. We heard that many traders in Belfast are currently under severe financial strain. While Mr Roberts stressed the imperative of a political resolution to the current disruptions, Committee Members heard an optimistic and determined presentation, which showcased Belfast’s many attractions for tourists. We fully take on board Mr Roberts’ assertion that the city is indeed open for business.”
“Our Committee is carefully considering how we can play our part in securing the gains since the Good Friday Agreement. Having visited communities in North and East Belfast last November, our Committee is acutely aware of the dangers in taking peace for granted. Having followed the recent disruptions with concern, we hope to continue to provide a space where the concerns of community and business leaders can be voiced and aired. In the longer term, we are particularly keen to explore what we can do to empower disenfranchised youth in working class communities, through education, training and employment opportunities.
\"While the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998, we are still in the relatively early stages of the post conflict period. The priority of our Committee is to continue to engage and in a spirit of generosity, to build on the many gains over the last decade. Ireland is currently hosting the Presidency of the European Union, which has an enshrined North-South dimension. The Committee intends to explore this European dimension in advancing the process in these challenging times. ”
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Ends
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
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paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Members of the Committee:
Deputies Seán Conlan, Seán Crowe, Clare Daly, Regina Doherty, Peter Fitzpatrick, Frank Feighan, Martin Ferris, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, Peter Fitzpatrick, Michael P. Kitt, Joe McHugh, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Joe O’Reilly, Brendan Smith and Joanna Tuffy.
Senators Jim D’Arcy, Maurice Cummins, Martin McAleese, Mary Moran, Mary White.
Chairman: Joe McHugh, TD Vice-Chairman: Joe O'Reilly, TD