Frank O'Rourke (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his presentation. As he has attended many meetings in recent months, will he give an idea of how other member states view Brexit? While notwithstanding the importance of Ireland staying in the EU and all the benefits that come with that, is there an acknowledgement in the EU that it did not do itself any favours in recent years? Is there an acknowledgment that it probably led to some of the difficulties and disconnect which gave oxygen to the anti-European lobby and the Brexit campaign? Is there any attempt to learn from the mistakes from those years to ensure it does not give fuel to further situations like Brexit evolving in the future?

I take it there is a great understanding of Ireland’s position, its close export links with the UK and the impact Brexit will have on these. Is there a sympathetic and practical approach among EU member states to assist Ireland positively in this regard? Are there any indications of Ireland taking advantage of Brexit and attracting further foreign direct investment? I have had contact with an American company which is looking at investing in Kildare. Deputy Durkan and I are looking forward to positive news in this regard. Are there opportunities for foreign direct investment which we can capitalise on and use to our advantage for a win-win for the country?