Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I compliment Mr. Verhofstadt on his visit to this House, his visit to Northern Ireland and the Border area, and his obviously thorough knowledge of the situation as to how Brexit affects this country. He should also be complimented on his passion and commitment to the European concept, something which has become vague in some quarters and countries and the results of which we have seen. He has the commitment and determination to follow through on what he has said, which is hugely important for this country and for the island of Ireland.

The status quomust be maintained. Any diminution of what we have enjoyed for the past 20 years in respect of Northern Ireland or of what we have achieved during our years of membership of the European Union must be prevented. We must improve, grow and develop these conditions as time goes by. We must guard against any movement whatsoever to diminish the role of the European Union in our affairs or our role in European affairs. We must be very careful not to go down that road.

Mr. Verhofstadt has been very constant and consistent in his views since we met him in Brussels on a number of occasions. Does he remain satisfied that the European project will continue for all other EU countries? Will disruptive words such as occur from time to time be curtailed and will all members of the EU be conscious of the need to work together for the Union? Each member state must take ownership. None of us is on the outside looking in. We are all part of Europe and must maintain that position. Can Mr. Verhofstadt be sure that we will be able to maintain that position throughout Europe in the future?