Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

A large number of important questions were asked, many of which have been answered. I will start with traditional Irish plámas. I am struck immediately by the gender composition of the delegation in comparison with the gender composition of the committee members present. This is probably a result of President Hollande's decision to give equal representation to the genders. This puts us at a disadvantage.

It would be nice if the delegation could convey on my behalf, as a personal friend, and presumably on behalf of the Chairman and members, best wishes to Hélène Conway-Mouret whom I have not seen since she became a member of the French Cabinet.