Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On my own behalf as the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, but also on behalf of the Government, I sincerely welcome Mr. Verhofstadt and his team to Ireland and to the Oireachtas. I welcome our Members of the European Parliament and all the invited guests. I thank our committee chairs and committee members for organising what has already been described as a unique but very important meeting and gathering.

It is extremely important to thank Mr. Verhofstadt for his willingness to come to Ireland but also, and most importantly, for his willingness to deepen his understanding of the Good Friday Agreement, the peace process and, of course, the Border issues. It is very clear from his statement that he has a very real understanding of how fragile the peace process is. I thank him for his work to date as the European Parliament's lead negotiator on Brexit. As the European Parliament plays such an important role in the Brexit negotiations, it is important to thank him for his supportive statements to date on the peace process and on the Border and for his words of solidarity with the Irish people today.

While Brexit may not be the first priority for all member states, it is, of course, a very real and imminent concern for many Irish citizens, for Irish businesses large and small, and for our industries, in particular the agrifood sector which is already feeling the effect of Brexit. I know that Members here, throughout this debate, will be very keen to hear Mr. Verhofstadt's views and an update on how negotiations are progressing, but also to hear his further views on the future of Europe. The future of Europe is not Brexit. It is a Europe without the UK and we need to ensure it is a Union that protects, empowers and defends its citizens. It is even more important that this conversation is one that all citizens should be involved in.

I look forward to a very positive engagement with Members and our three committees as, I am sure, does Mr. Verfhofstadt. I thank him again for his support and for his recognition of our unique situation.