Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson commended Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting for their visit to Brussels to strengthen relations with the EU.

The Foyle representative joined other MLAs over St Patrick's Day to meet MEPs in Europe.

Ferguson stated the EU plays a key role across Ireland, north and south. She noted the need to maintain strong relationships despite Brexit.

The trip allowed engagement with MEPs on European funding for Northern Ireland, student schemes and the all-island economy.

Ferguson said Sinn Féin will continue building these relationships to support the economy and pursue rejoining the EU via a united Ireland.