Sinn Féin President and Leader of the Opposition, Mary Lou McDonald TD, has welcomed the newly-published report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, Perspectives on Constitutional Change: Finance and Economics.

Ms McDonald said:

“I welcome what is a very significant Oireachtas report, noting its call for immediate planning for a referendum on constitutional change.

“The report recognises that the political system must build a consensus on the vision for a new and united Ireland, which is welcome and must get underway.

“Preparing for such a referendum on Irish reunification is a historic task and a huge opportunity that requires significant groundwork and a well-prepared constitutional pathway.

“The report recognises that preparations must include listening to and incorporating perspectives from all communities on the island.

“The report’s recommendations for enhanced cooperation in areas such as education, energy, climate action and transport infrastructure are essential steps that make sense, and must be embraced by both administrations on the island.

“Among the key recommendations is the call for a government-led approach to constitutional change preparation, coordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach, and the need for a Green Paper outlining a vision for a united Ireland, informed by broad political and public consultation, which I fully support.

“Sinn Féin has argued for a Citizens Assemblies to be established to consider any Green Paper. This would enable extensive public engagement, North and South, and ensure inclusivity, particularly of unionist perspectives and traditionally underrepresented groups, which the report acknowledges is vitally important.”