To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to outline any decisions that remain outstanding within the Executive to progress the regeneration of the Maze Long Kesh site.

Mrs O'Neill

We have been clear that we want to realise the immense potential of the site for the benefit of all and that decisions are needed on the overall way forward for the site. The Committee for the Executive Office visited the site on 5 November and received a briefing from the development corporation staff. We understand that the Committee is keen to see regeneration progress but has differing views on how that could be achieved. We recognise that it will require us to move with consensus and sensitivity, and we are committed to working with the MLK Development Corporation to achieve that. It is clear that there are no straightforward solutions, but we can assure the Member that the future of the site remains a live issue, which we are committed to resolving. We are considering advice on short- to medium-term priorities and options for the board. Discussions at official level are ongoing, and we expect to receive further input to help frame our consideration for the way forward.

Mrs O'Neill

The Member will, perhaps, have heard me say in answer to a previous question that I see the enormous potential of the site from an economic, historical and reconciliation perspective. It is important that we reach for the huge opportunity that we have with that huge potential, of which I know the Member is only too aware. However, we have to have agreement on the areas in which to progress. The immense potential in that site is, I think, recognised by all. I assure the Member that I will do all that I can to continue to try to get us to the juncture where we have an agreed way forward. I want to unlock the potential of the site. I make that commitment again today.

Ms Murphy

During the site visit, I got to see at first hand the social and economic potential of the site and the regeneration that it could offer from a historical perspective, from economic opportunities and from sporting facilities. Does the First Minister agree that those benefits could be transformative and need to happen immediately?

Mrs O'Neill

I will build on my previous answer. The site's potential is immense. There is a genuine opportunity for us to invest in it, but we have to view investment in the round. I would like to think that we will continue to work together to get to the point at which we can have housing on the site as well as provide economic opportunity, with businesses being established there. We do not have to look far to see historical sites with a complex history and heritage that have previously been regenerated. We have only to look to the regeneration of Ebrington Barracks in Derry or of the Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast. When it came to managing complexity, the issues there were similar to those at the site, so we know that it is not beyond us to do that for there as well. I will continue to do everything that I can to unlock the site's potential. It will be a longer-term project but one to which we need to turn our attentions if we are to ensure that we unlock the site's potential.

Mr Brett

The First Minister says that she wishes to see economic development at the site. If I take her at her word, she agrees with our position. Will she therefore commit to supporting our calls for the economic development of the site and oppose the creation of any shrine to terrorists there?

Mrs O'Neill

Therein lies the problem. If we were able to look at the issue through a different lens and come at it with the mindset of wanting to get something done and of dealing with the fact that it is a historical site with reconciliation potential and the potential to have immense economic benefit, we might find a way to walk forward together to unlock that potential. That is what I am committed to doing, and perhaps the Member will join me in supporting that.